Tag: Salman Ali Agha

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha has urged the batters to step up after defeat against South Africa here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

South Africa outplayed Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match series by a hefty margin of 55 runs. The home side faltered while chasing 195-run target.

For Proteas, George Lined starred with the bat and ball. He made 36 from 22 balls with the help of four boundaries and a six. The left-hander backed his batting by crucial spell of three wickets, hence earning him player of the match award.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

For Pakistan, besides Mohammad Nawaz all-round performance there was nothing much to cheer. Nawaz bowled an excellent spell of four overs, scalping three wickets which stem the visitors runs flow. He backed his bowling by an impressive batting, scoring 36 from 20 balls.

Speaking in the post match presentation, Agha highglighted the shortcoming of the match and lamented poor bowling in the opening overs.

“We didn’t start well with the ball, but we pulled things back. With the batting, we are losing wickets quickly, and we need to have a quick turnaround,” he said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Regarding aggressive batting approach, he stressed the need of buidling partnerships and sensible batting.

“We just need to bat properly, do singles and doubles, and build partnerships,” he continued.

The skipper noted that they can chase big total if they can bat long while admitting the vivid bowling in the first 10 overs.

“If we have partnerships we can chase such totals. We didn’t bowl well in the powerplay. Bowling top of off stump would’ve been good enough, but the positive is how we pulled it back later,” he conclulded.

READ: Warner backs ‘super fit’ Kohli to play until 50

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has revealed the reason behind the selection of wicket-keeper batter Usman Khan in the national team for the three-match T20I series against South Africa.

The first T20I match will begin tomorrow at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Usman Khan, who averages 14.93 with the bat in 19 T20Is, last appeared in the format against New Zealand on March 26, 2025.

Speaking ahead of the opening T20I, Salman shed light on the inclusion of Usman, mentioning the batting in the middle orders. He also emphasized his record in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“We wanted a keeper who could bat in the middle order and handle the middle overs, particularly against spin. We think that since we’re going to Sri Lanka soon, and even before that, we’ll face a lot of spin in the middle overs,” he said.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

“And you can say, you must have seen in the PSL [Pakistan Super League], his international record isn’t that great, but in the PSL, he bats really well against spin in the middle overs.”

Regarding the team’s momentum, the skipper highlighted the Asia Cup 2025 and tri-nation series, noting that they have learned valuable lessons from their mistakes.

“We’ll continue from where our journey left off. We learned a lot from the Asia Cup and the tri-nation series before that. We’ve picked up a lot from those games. We’ll try to fix the mistakes we made and work on overcoming them in the upcoming series, keeping our World Cup preparation on point,” Salman explained.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“We need to quickly cut down on our mistakes, especially the ones that keep happening again and again, because they shouldn’t be happening,” he continued.

The 31-year-old mentioned modern-day cricket and emphasized that they do not aim for high scores, but rather evaluate the situation at hand.

“Cricket has definitely gotten faster, but as you saw, we just came back from the Asia Cup, and those pitches didn’t really favor scores of 180 or 190. We don’t blindly aim for 180 or 190; we look at the situation,” Salman concluded.

READ: ‘We can beat any side’: Salman Ali Agha confident ahead of South Africa series

DUBAI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha has thrown his weight behind out-of-form batter Saim Ayub ahead of the blockbuster ACC Asia Cup 2025 final against India, set to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Ayub has endured a torrid run with the bat in the tournament, scoring just 23 runs in six innings at a poor average of 3.83 and a strike rate of 85.18, including four ducks.

However, the left-hander has made up for his struggles with the bat by delivering handy contributions with the ball, taking eight wickets in five innings at an impressive average of 14.00.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Salman Ali Agha acknowledged the scrutiny on Ayub’s place in the XI but insisted that the youngster deserves backing, given his all-round value and long-term potential.

“I think Saim Ayub is such a player who can serve Pakistan for the next 10 years, and I am really hoping that he does,” Agha said.

“So, it is essential to back such individuals until a situation arises where it becomes absolutely necessary to make a change.”

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

Highlighting Ayub’s consistent efforts in the field and with the ball, the captain underlined his faith in the 24-year-old to come good with the bat when it matters most.

“You have seen his bowling and fielding, he is contributing in every game. There has not been a single match where he has not contributed,” he added.

“Yes, he could not perform with the bat, but I am fully confident that he will play one good innings in the final.”

READ: Tickets sold out for Pakistan-India Asia Cup final in Dubai

DUBAI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has finally addressed the much-debated handshake controversy ahead of Sunday’s historic Asia Cup 2025 final against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

This marks the first time in the tournament’s 41-year history that the arch-rivals will contest the final, and while the cricket has lived up to the billing, off-field controversies have dominated headlines.

The first flashpoint came in the group stage when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Salman at the toss.

The tension lingered as Yadav, after guiding his side to victory, walked straight off the field without greeting Pakistan’s players.

Along with teammate Shivam Dube, he retreated to the dressing room, leaving Pakistan’s squad waiting in vain for the customary post-match exchange.

In protest, Salman skipped the post-match press conference, leaving head coach Mike Hesson to front the media.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The uneasy atmosphere continued into the Super Four clash on September 21, with both teams again avoiding handshakes before and after the game.

Speaking at the pre-final press conference, Salman Ali Agha voiced his disappointment.

“I’ve been playing professional cricket since 2007, from the Under-16 level, and I had never seen anything like this until now,” he said.

“My father, who has followed cricket all his life, never mentioned such an incident either. Even in times when relations between the two countries were worse, handshakes still happened. This is not good for cricket.”

Earlier on Saturday, it was reported that the traditional pre-final trophy shoot would not take place after India declined participation. Asked about the development, Salman made it clear Pakistan would stick to protocol.

“They can do whatever they want,” he said. “We have our protocol, and we’ll follow that. If they want to come, they can come. If not, then not.”

READ: Mohsin Naqvi to pay Haris Rauf’s fine personally: sources

DUBAI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha hailed the team’s performance and expressed confidence ahead of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 final against India, set to be played on Sunday.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Agha called Pakistan’s special team after securing a narrow win over Bangladesh while issuing a bold statement on the clash against arch-rivals.

“Very excited. We know what we need to do, and we are a good enough team to beat anyone, and we will come on Sunday and try to beat them,” he said.

“If you can win these kinds of games, you must be a special team. Everyone chipped in, ” he said. “The way Shaheen bowled and the way Haris bowled up front, it was special. We are finding ways to win.”

He aimed for a better display in the final against arch-rivals while shedding light on the total and playing conditions.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“There are ways to improve, but we will be better in the final.  We were 10-15 runs short – no way I am going to deny that. If we bowl the way we did up front, we will create pressure,” he explained.

“When you create pressure up front, it is tough to chase it down. Bowled well with the new ball, and once you bowl like this with the new ball, you win more often. We have been fielding really well,” the skipper continued.

Highlighting the team’s fielding under the new coach Shane McDermott, he mentioned the hard work and Mike Hesson’s motivation and focus on fielding.

“Since Shane came, we have been working really hard. Mike, our coach said whoever cannot field, cannot be in the team – so everyone is working very hard with Shane and I am happy with how everyone is fielding.

READ: ICC reprimands Suryakumar Yadav over political statement

ABU DHABI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and team management expressed their heartfelt condolences to Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage following the sudden death of his father.

Salman, alongside white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, PCB Chief Operating Manager Sumair Ahmed Syed, board advisor Salman Naseer, and team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, offered condolences to Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a video on its social media handles in which the captain and management were seen consoling the 22-year-old.

Dunith Wellalage father, Suranga Wellalage, was a former first-class cricketer. He passed away last week during Sri Lanka’s group stage fixture against Afghanistan in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

After attending his father’s funeral, Dunith Wellalage rejoined the national squad for their Super Four fixture against Bangladesh, which Sri Lanka lost.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The 22-year-old all-rounder also penned an emotional note and took to Instagram to express his grief while extending gratitude to everyone who supported him through the tragedy.

“I want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who stood by me and my family during the most painful time of my life, after the passing of my beloved father,” Wellalage wrote.

“Losing him has left a void that can never be filled, but the love, strength, and support I received gave me the courage to keep moving forward.”

He especially thanked Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), his sponsors, law enforcement authorities, medical staff, as well as his former schools and clubs for standing by his family.

The young spinner vowed to continue chasing his cricketing dreams to fulfill his father’s wish. “My father’s dream was for me to continue this journey, and with all of you beside me, I will do everything I can to honor him,” he said.

READ: Barcelona coach Flick opens up on Yamal’s Ballon d’Or disappointment

ABU DHABI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted concern over losing wickets in the middle overs after his side’s win over Sri Lanka.

Pakistan edged Sri Lanka by five wickets to bag a crucial win in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night.

During the post-match presentation, Salman Ali Agha rued the collapse in the middle overs and highlighted their performance in previous matches of the Asia Cup 2025.

“Cannot say it was a perfect game. We lost four wickets in three overs, but apart from that, it could be a perfect game, but we need to stop doing that. We have been doing that since Sharjah, and we need to stop that,” he said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The skipper praised fielding coach Shane McDermott for his hard work with the players.

“He (Shane McDermott) has been working with players really hard. We have named him a rockstar, and are working hard with him,” Salman remarked.

The 31-year-old heaped praise on Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shaheen Afridi, calling them vital in the team’s win.

“He (Shaheen) has been outstanding since he came back. He has been bowling well for last so many years. He is an asset and a match-winner, and he is showing that every now and then.

That is why we play so many all-rounders because nowadays, the game demands so many options in batting and bowling. I am very happy for him. Knowing him for several years, he has been working hard on his game and really happy for him,” he concluded while praising Hussain Talat.

READ: Hussain Talat reflects on match-winning performance against Sri Lanka

DUBAI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha opened up after his side’s six wicket defeat against arch-rivals India in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

This was Pakistan’s second loss against India in a week, having previously beaten by seven wicket in the group stage fixtures of the continental tournament.

For India, it was Abhishek Sharma ruthless knock that steered them to a commanding victory despite their sloppiness in the field during Pakistan’s innings.

After dropping the catches in the field, Abhishek went to score a sublime 74 from 39 balls, laced with five effortless sixes and half a dozen fours.

For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan was the lone-bright star, scoring 58 off 45 balls.

Speaking in the post match press-presentation, Agha said that Pakistan is yet to play at their best while mentioning that India took the game away in the powerplay.

“We are yet to play a perfect game, but we’re getting there. It was a great contest, though they really took the game away in the powerplay,” he said.

The skipper mentioned they were 10-15 runs short, particularly after the start they have got in the first 10 overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“We didn’t put enough runs on the board. At 91/2 after 10 overs, we should have pushed for 10–15 more. Still, 171 is a challenging total.

“Credit to them — their powerplay batting made the difference in the end.
In T20 cricket, if your bowlers are going for runs, you have to make changes. It’s about finding the right man at the right time,” Agha explained.

Despite the defeat, he remained confident, emphasizing the players contributions as a plus point and backed Pakistan for their next game against Sri Lanka.

“There are positives for us. Fakhar and Farhan batted well, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf bowled strongly.

We’re still very much in it and looking forward to our next game against Sri Lanka,” he concluded.

READ: WATCH: Shaheen, Rauf engage in war of words with Sharma

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has expressed surprise over the post-match remarks of national T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha following victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC Asia Cup 2025.

After hours of uncertainty over whether the game would go ahead, Pakistan eventually took the field for their final group-stage clash and secured a commanding 41-run win to book their place in the Super Four.

Batting first, Pakistan managed 146-9 in 20 overs, courtesy of Fakhar Zaman’s half-century and a late rescue act from Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Zaman’s dismissal in the 14th over triggered a collapse, leaving Pakistan reeling at 110-7 in the 17th over.

But Shaheen’s unbeaten 29 off 14 balls, laced with three fours and two sixes, lifted the side to a competitive total, which the bowlers comfortably defended.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

While reflecting on the performance, Salman Ali Agha admitted in the post-match presentation that Pakistan’s batting remains a work in progress, particularly in the middle overs.

“We got the job done, but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. That’s been a concern and something we need to work on,” Agha said.

“Apart from that, we did a good job. We haven’t batted at our best yet. We’re still just finding our way to 150. If we bat well in the middle overs, we can push it to 170 no matter the opposition.”

However, Misbah-ul-Haq offered a contrasting view, pointing out that Pakistan’s struggles often start right at the top rather than in the middle phase of the innings.

“It was very surprising to hear Agha say the problem lies in the middle overs. For me, our issues begin from the start,” Misbah said in an interview with a local sports platform.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

“Almost every game we lose our first two wickets early, so we’re effectively two down before the innings even settles.”

He further explained that this early collapse leaves Pakistan exposed once spinners come into the attack.

“In these conditions, once the circle opens up and spinners operate, scoring becomes tricky. If you’re already 0–2, then you’re going nowhere,” he added.

Pakistan, having sealed their spot in the Super Four, will now meet arch-rivals India in a high-voltage Asia Cup encounter on Sunday at the same venue.

READ: Saim Ayub equals Shahid Afridi’s unwanted T20I record

DUBAI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha vowed to improve middle-overs batting, stating that his side is ready for the India clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super fours.

Set 147-run target, UAE crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs.

Despite restricting Pakistan to a low total, UAE batters failed to take advantage.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf bagged two wickets each.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Salman emphasized the middle overs, highlighting them as a concern.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“We got the job done, but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. That’s been a concern and something we need to work on,” he said.

The 31-year-old praised Shaheen Afridi, who played a crucial role with an all-around performance.

“Apart from that, we did a good job. We haven’t batted at our best yet…we’re still just finding our way to 150. If we bat well in the middle overs, we can push it to 170 no matter the opposition. Shaheen’s batting has improved a lot–he’s already great with the ball,” he remarked.

Regarding the India clash, the skipper mentioned Pakistan’s performance in the past few months, stressing on

“Saim is someone who has been bringing us back into games and I hope he can continue like this till the end. We’re ready for any challenge and if we keep playing the way we have over the last four months, we’ll be good against any side,” Salman Ali Agha concluded.

READ: ‘Pakistan’s honour preserved’, says Mohsin Naqvi following Pycroft’s apology