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Salman Ali Agha

England beat Pakistan by innings and 103 runs in first Test

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England beat

LEEDS, England: England thrashed Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley on Friday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

England were bowled out for 409 in their first innings on the third day, securing a 238-run lead after Pakistan were dismissed for 171. Harry Brook top-scored for England with 91, while Jordan Cox made 73.

Pakistan, beginning their second innings 238 runs behind, again struggled with the bat and were bowled out for just 135 in 38 overs.

Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for a duck, while Aizaan Awais scored nine, Abdullah Shafique 15, Saud Shakeel 14 and captain Salman Ali Agha four. Shan Masood made 29 and Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 41.

England bowlers Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue took three wickets each to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Earlier, Pakistan’s Ali Usman claimed five wickets and Khurram Shahzad took three as England were restricted to 409.

The victory gives England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second Test is scheduled to begin at Lord’s on Aug. 27.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged that England outclassed his side in every department during the first Test, saying Pakistan failed to perform consistently and could not execute its plans.

Salman said consistency was essential to winning in England and stressed that any team could make a comeback in cricket.

“Our team has the ability, but we could not execute our plans,” Salman said.

He said playing in England had always been challenging for Pakistan and the team had arrived only a week before the Test, leaving limited time to adjust to the conditions.

Salman said Pakistan were currently going through a rebuilding phase and acknowledged that their bowling attack lacked experience. He added that the team was focused on preparing for the future.

The stand-in captain also admitted that he, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel had struggled for form.

“I accept that I, Rizwan and Saud have not been performing,” Salman said, adding that their lack of form was a concern.

He expressed hope that Babar Azam would recover in time for the next Test and said Pakistan would need to improve significantly in away series.

“We have not been able to play well in away series,” Salman said.

England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from Aug. 27.

Pakistan cricketer Salman Ali Agha penalized for code of conduct breach

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Pakistan cricketer

DHAKA: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a warning to Pakistani batter Salman Ali Agha following his reaction to a controversial run-out in the second One Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh national cricket team. The ICC has also added one de-merit point to his record.

According to the ICC, Salman Ali Agha was found in violation of Level One of the ICC Code of Conduct, specifically Article 2.2, which relates to inappropriate conduct involving cricket equipment, clothing, or ground facilities during an international match.

The incident occurred at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, where Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz controversially ran out Salman at the non-striker’s end. In response, Salman expressed visible anger as he walked off the field.

The ICC confirmed that Salman Ali Agha has acknowledged his mistake.

Former Pakistani cricketers Ramiz Raja and Hammad Hafeez criticized Mehidy Hasan’s actions on social media, calling them unsporting and against the spirit of cricket.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s family targeted after defeat

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Pakistan captain

Pakistan cricket team captain Salman Ali Agha’s wife and young son became victims of online harassment following the team’s defeat to England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 8 stage.

On Tuesday, England defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a crucial Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, securing a place in the semi-finals. The victory was powered by a brilliant century from Harry Brook.

Pakistan posted 164 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, England chased down the target in the final over, finishing at 165 for 8.

Following the loss, fans and former cricketers criticized the team’s performance. However, some social media users crossed the line by directing abusive comments toward Salman Ali Agha’s family.

Salman Ali Agha’s wife, Saba, addressed the situation through an Instagram story, condemning the harassment aimed at her and their innocent child.

“Abusing me or my innocent son will not help you win the World Cup,” she wrote, urging fans to show restraint.

Her message quickly went viral, drawing reactions from the cricketing community.

Tabraiz Shamsi Condemns Behavior

South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi publicly condemned the abuse, expressing support for the family.

In a post on X, Shamsi wrote that such “foolish behavior” angers him. He added that while disappointment over a team’s defeat is natural and winning and losing are part of sport, targeting players’ families is unacceptable.

“This is for fans of all countries—please respect others,” he emphasized.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing issue of online harassment faced by athletes and their families in the wake of high-profile sporting defeats.

PCB announces Pakistan squad for T20 series against Australia

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PCB announces

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the national squad for the upcoming T20 International series against Australia.

For the three-match series, Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as captain, while Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have made their return to the T20 side.

The squad also includes Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Other players named in the squad are Mohammad Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Tariq, Khawaja Mohammad Nafi, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper).

According to the PCB, the Australian team will arrive in Pakistan on January 28, while all three T20 matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, January 31, and February 1.

The series is expected to attract strong fan interest as Pakistan prepares to face Australia at home in a high-profile T20 contest.

Salman Ali Agha creates new milestone in T20 cricket

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Salman Ali Agha

KARACHI: The third T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka proved disappointing for the national side in terms of result, but Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s sensational and aggressive batting display won the hearts of cricket fans.

Played in Dambulla, the match saw Salman Ali Agha produce an extraordinary innings, scoring 45 runs off just 12 deliveries, an effort that included five fours and three towering sixes. His blistering knock came at a staggering strike rate of 375.0.

This performance set a new world record in T20 International cricket, marking the highest strike rate ever achieved by a captain (minimum 10 balls faced) against a full-member team.

Previously, the record belonged to Kieron Pollard, who scored 38 runs off 11 balls at a strike rate of 345.5 against Sri Lanka in 2021. Salman Ali Agha has now surpassed that milestone with his breathtaking innings.

Notably, the elite list of fastest T20I innings by captains also features renowned batters such as Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, and Darren Sammy, but Salman Ali Agha’s explosive knock has propelled him to the top.

Although Pakistan failed to secure victory in the match, the captain’s historic batting effort is expected to be remembered for a long time and is being seen as a positive sign for the team’s future.