Shan Masood rewrites record books

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has slammed the fastest first-class double century for Pakistan, shattering a 19-year-old landmark set by India’s Virender Sehwag and a three-decade-old national record of Inzamam-ul-Haq. The left-hander reached his double ton in just 177 balls on the opening day of the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2025-26 in Karachi.

Playing for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) against Sahir Associates, Masood showcased ultra-aggressive red-ball batting that underlines Pakistan’s new attacking template in longer formats.

How Shan Masood broke Sehwag and Inzamam’s marks

Masood’s 200 came off 177 deliveries, eclipsing Sehwag’s 182-ball double century against Pakistan in Lahore in 2006, which had stood as a benchmark for high-tempo long-format batting on the subcontinent. At the same time, he bettered Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Pakistan record of a 188-ball double ton scored in a first-class match in 1992.

By stumps on day one, Masood was unbeaten on 212 off 185 balls, a knock studded with boundaries and a strike rate above 110, underlining how quickly he turned a solid start into a dominance-establishing marathon. His effort is now officially the fastest first-class double century for Pakistan in terms of balls faced.

Massive 390-run stand powers SNGPL

Masood’s historic feat came in a monumental 390-run partnership for the second wicket with fellow left-hander Ali Zaryab, after SNGPL lost their first wicket at 53. Zaryab missed his own double century by just eight runs, falling for 192 off 237 balls, but the pair had already pushed the game decisively in SNGPL’s favour.

By the end of the first day, SNGPL had piled up 460 for 2 in 82.1 overs, completely bossing Sahir Associates and leaving their bowlers searching for answers. The stand is among the highest for any wicket in Pakistan’s domestic cricket and highlights the depth in their first-class batting stocks.

Why this record matters now

Masood’s fastest first-class double century for Pakistan arrives at a time when teams are increasingly demanding attacking intent in red-ball cricket, influenced by ultra-positive approaches like ‘Bazball’ and modern franchise leagues. For Pakistan, seeing their Test captain lead that shift with a 177-ball double ton sends a strong message ahead of upcoming international assignments.

For fans, this innings is not just a domestic milestone but a signal that Pakistan’s top-order could embrace a more fearless style in Test cricket, combining traditional technique with modern scoring rates. It also rekindles India-Pakistan nostalgia, with Masood now pushing past a record once owned by Sehwag, one of India’s most destructive openers.

What it means for Shan Masood’s 2025 form

This is Masood’s second first-class double century in 2025 after a 250-run knock for Karachi Blues against Abbottabad earlier in the year, taking his career tally of double tons to five. Such sustained big scores bolster his credentials as Pakistan’s long-term Test captain and premier top-order batter.

If he can translate this domestic dominance and the confidence of holding the fastest first-class double century for Pakistan into Test cricket, Pakistan’s batting unit could gain a much-needed anchor who also scores at a modern, pressure-inducing tempo.​