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Pakistan's captain Salman Ali Agha took a subtle dig at Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan after leading Men in Green to an emphatic nine-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I on March 21. Pakistan rode on Hasan Nawaz's blistering century to successfully chase down the 205-run target in just 16 overs.
The resounding win not only kept Pakistan's hopes alive in the five-match T20I series but also signaled a notable shift in the team's approach. Known for their traditionally cautious batting style, Pakistan's performance under Agha's leadership hinted at a new, more dynamic brand of cricket, especially after a series of disappointing performances in recent ICC tournaments.
Following Pakistan's win in the T20I, captain Salman Ali Agha expressed his sentiments on social media platform X. He said that every member of the current Pakistan squad was contributing meaningfully and not simply filling roster spots. He also made it very clear that Pakistan players aren't just there to make up the numbers, which many perceived as a veiled dig directed towards his teammates Babar and Rizwan. The perceived dig stemmed from the team's not-so-impressive performance under the leadership of these experienced players. While white-ball cricket has witnessed a significant evolution towards more aggressive and intent-driven batting, Pakistan has struggled to adapt to these changing trends. This lack of adaptability contributed to their early exits from the group stages of both the ODI and T20 World Cups in 2023 and 2024.
"My boys aren’t just here to make up the numbers. This is an inexperienced team, but it’s a winners team if you back them. It’s your team, if you give them the support they need. Alhamdulillah for the win, much needed in keeping the series alive. Very, very well played Hasan and Haris," Salman Ali Agha's X post read.
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Pakistan's sensational run chase marked their fastest successful pursuit of a 200-plus run total in T20I history. This extraordinary win was propelled by a stunning century from 22-year-old Hasan Nawaz, complemented by impactful innings from opener Mohammad Haris, who scored 41 off 20 balls, and captain Salman Agha, who contributed an unbeaten 51 off 31 balls.
