Shan Masood fires warning shot, reveals Pakistan's aim to topple India and secure WTC final spot

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood is confident of his side putting up a good performance in the remaining matches for Pakistan in the World Test Championship (WTC). Pakistan is currently fifth in the WTC rankings with a point percentage of 36.66%.

They are below India, Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka on the list currently. Pakistan still have nine matches remaining in this cycle's WTC and have a good chance of qualifying for the final. Out of these nine games, seven will be played at home which presents them a great opportunity. The upcoming series against Bangladesh will be crucial for the Men in Green.

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Shan Masood reveals Pakistan's gameplan for the upcoming matches in WTC

While speaking at a press conference ahead of Pakistan's home Test series against Bangladesh, Shan Masood backed Pakistan to make full use of the home conditions in the remaining matches of WTC and finish among the top two sides. He was also confident of Pakistan securing a series win in South Africa later this year.

“There’s a lot to play for in the World Test Championship. The top two places are yet to be decided, and it can still go with any side. Our effort would be to make the best use of the home advantage in our seven Tests. And obviously, even in South Africa, we can gain points and win a series, which is a great opportunity for us,” Masood said to the reporters.

Apart from the seven home games, Pakistan will play two away Tests against South Africa later this year. It will be a stern challenge for a young team to play against a high-quality South African bowling attack in conditions that offer pace and bounce.

Shan Masood opens up on Pakistan's new coaching staff

The left-hander also shed light on Pakistan's new coaching staff. Shan Masood was confident that Jason Gillespie, Gary Kirsten, and Tim Nielsen can bring some changes to Pakistan cricket and the players can also take a leaf out of their book.

“The recent appointments of Jason Gillespie and Tim Nielson are an exciting opportunity for Pakistan cricket. Two experienced coaches have come in both white-ball and red-ball cricket for us, they were big players in their respective fields," Shan Masood said.

"It’s an exciting opportunity for us, as players, to get exposure to Gillespie, Nielsen, and Gary Kirsten [white-ball head coach],” Shan Masood added.

Jason Gillespie was appointed Pakistan's coach for Test matches while Gary Kirsten was given the role of the team's white-ball coach. Tim Nielsen has been given the role of Pakistan's red-ball high-performance coach. The upcoming series against Bangladesh will be the first assignment for Jason Gillespie and Tim Nielsen.

Pakistan's schedule against Bangladesh

If Pakistan wins all of its nine matches remaining in the WTC, they will raise their percentage points to 77.38%. This will almost put them in the WTC final, which will be held in June next year.

The upcoming series between Pakistan and Bangladesh consists of two Tests. The first Test will be played from August 21-25 in Rawalpindi while the second Test will be played from August 30-September 3 in Karachi.