Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha was dismissed in a bizarre manner during the second One Day International of the three-match series against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.The unusual incident took place in the 38th over of the innings during a spell from Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Miraz delivered a ball to Mohammad Rizwan, who played a defensive shot.The ball spun and slowly rolled toward Salman Ali Agha at the non-striker’s end. Agha attempted to pick up the ball and return it to the bowler, while Miraz also rushed forward toward the ball.As Agha stood outside his crease and tried to collect the ball, Miraz quickly grabbed it and broke the stumps, leaving the Pakistan batter stranded and resulting in a run-out.Following the dismissal, the two players were seen discussing the incident, with Agha appearing visibly surprised.
The Pakistan T20I captain also showed his frustration while walking back to the pavilion, throwing his gloves and helmet to the ground.Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, who was commentating during the match, acknowledged that the decision was technically correct but questioned the spirit of the game.“Within the technical rules, he was indeed run out, but in terms of sportsmanship, he suffered a massive blow. He was about to pick up the ball and return it to the bowler, but the bowler saw a chance for a run-out. You’ve got to feel for him,” Ramiz said.Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez also criticized the incident on social media platform X, calling it poor sportsmanship from Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Earlier in the match, half-centuries from Maaz Sadaqat and Salman Ali Agha helped Pakistan post a competitive total in the second ODI of the three-match series.Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s decision to field first did not work in his favour as Pakistan scored 274 runs before being bowled out in 47.3 overs.Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat gave Pakistan a strong start with a blistering 103-run partnership off just 77 deliveries. Maaz top-scored with 75 off 46 balls, including six fours and five sixes.Pakistan later lost Farhan and Shamyl Hussain in quick succession to Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana, leaving the team at 122/3 in 19.3 overs.
Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan then rebuilt the innings with a 109-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The stand ended in dramatic fashion when Agha was run out by Miraz while attempting to return the ball, after scoring 64 off 62 balls.
Rizwan contributed 44 runs off 59 deliveries. For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain took three wickets, Miraz claimed two, while Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana and Mustafizur Rahman picked up one wicket each.
