Pakistan selectors left with further selection headaches as Shan Masood smashes 168 against New Zealand A

Pakistan might be known for relentlessly producing quality fast bowlers but they’ve now found a few too many openers who could play Test cricket. The selectors will have an added headache when picking the side for the upcoming Test series against the Blackcaps after Shan Masood smashed a brilliant 168 against New Zealand A in Dubai.

The left-handed opener could now come knocking on the doors for a Test recall before Pakistan host New Zealand in the first Test on November 16 in Abu Dhabi. His chances of making it back to the national side might be slim, but the 29-year-old did not harm his credentials with a century in the first unofficial Test.

On Tuesday, at the ICC Academy Oval, Masood remained unbeaten on 164 on the opening day of the four-day fixture. His innings showcased all the traits that a Test innings requires, namely a perfect concoction of caution, patience, intent as well as aggression. However, he was only able to add 4 runs to his overnight score after he was trapped LBW on the second morning. His innings was laced with 15 boundaries and two sixes, taking Pakistan A to a total of 346 in the first innings.

Shan Masood as the third opener for Pakistan?

Shan Masood wasn’t part of the Test series against Australia, which Pakistan won 1-0 after clinching an emphatic victory in the second Test. However, his gritty knock against the Kiwis could well bring him into contention for the 3-match Test series against New Zealand. Pakistan will first play them in 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs before the Test series commences.

The 29-year old had played his last of 12 Tests against Sri Lanka in Dubai last year. He could, however, feature alongside the prolific left-handed duo of Fakhar Zaman and Imam ul-Haq as the third opener in the side. Imam has performed well in the four opportunities that he was given but unfortunately sustained a fracture on his finger during the first Test against Australia. He had scored 76 and 48 in that fixture. Fakhar Zaman then made the most of his first ever chance to play Test cricket by scoring 94 and 66 in the second Test.

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