Shan Masood Makes History with First Test Century at Brian Lara Cricket Academy

Pakistan batter becomes the first Test centurion at Brian Lara Cricket Academy after scoring a fighting 109 against West Indies.

Sports Desk

TAROUBA: Pakistan's experienced left-handed batter Shan Masood etched his name into the history books on Monday by becoming the first cricketer to score a Test century at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Tarouba.

Masood achieved the landmark during the third day of Pakistan's opening Test against the West Indies, a match that carries historical significance as the first-ever international red-ball fixture played at the venue.

The 36-year-old delivered a determined and composed performance under pressure, scoring 109 runs from 184 balls with the help of 12 boundaries. His century made him the first batter to reach three figures in a Test match at the newly established international venue.

Masood Anchors Pakistan's Fightback

Masood walked to the crease at No. 3 after Pakistan suffered an early setback in their first innings. The visitors were reduced to 1 for 1 while chasing the West Indies' first-innings total of 311.

Rather than allowing the early dismissal to derail Pakistan's innings, Masood took responsibility and produced a patient knock. He carefully negotiated the West Indies bowling attack, combining defensive discipline with well-timed strokes whenever scoring opportunities emerged.

His century proved crucial in helping Pakistan remain competitive in the match. Despite losing partners at regular intervals, Masood continued to hold the innings together and eventually finished as Pakistan's leading run-scorer.

His dismissal for 109 later in the innings ended a memorable individual performance, but his contribution had already secured a special place in the history of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

A Historic First for the Venue

The match between Pakistan and West Indies is particularly significant for the BLCA, which hosted its first-ever international Test. Masood's century therefore became more than just another milestone in his career. His innings established the first Test-century record at the Tarouba venue, ensuring that his name will remain permanently associated with the ground's cricketing history.

The achievement also adds another chapter to Masood's international career, which has seen him represent Pakistan across multiple Test campaigns and take on leadership responsibilities.

Commemorative Plaque Marks Historic Test

The historic occasion was also recognised by Cricket West Indies (CWI), which presented the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) with a commemorative plaque to mark the inaugural Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

The Pakistan Cricket Board shared images of the presentation on its official social media platforms. The plaque was designed in a scroll-style polished wooden frame with a mahogany finish and featured a black-and-gold engraved presentation plate surrounded by gold detailing.

The commemorative display also included a photograph of West Indies captain Roston Chase and Pakistan captain Babar Azam holding the series trophy on the outfield of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

The two-match Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, adding further significance to the historic fixture.

Masood's Century Adds to a Memorable Test

While Pakistan's overall first-innings performance eventually fell short of the West Indies' total, Masood's innings stood out as one of the major highlights of the day. His ability to absorb pressure after Pakistan's early setback and bat for an extended period provided his team with stability and demonstrated his experience at the Test level.

Although the century could not prevent Pakistan from being dismissed for 282, giving West Indies a 29-run first-innings lead, Masood's record-breaking knock ensured that he would become the first Test centurion at a venue named after one of the greatest batters in cricket history.

As the Test progresses, Masood's historic 109 will remain one of the defining moments of the inaugural Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.