Salman Ali Agha hails Shaheen Afridi (Source: @CallMeSheri1_/x.com, @___irhaa/x.com)
As the Super Four stage of the ongoing Asia Cup is heating up the contest as fans are enjoying some unmissable contests. After facing a defeat against India in their first group stage clash, they bounced back with a brilliant victory against Sri Lanka.
In their second Super Four clash, the Men in Green showcased all-round excellence and earned a dominating victory. After the triumph, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha praised his teammates for their dominating performance and reflected on the team’s impressive display.
Salman Ali Agha reflects on the commanding win
After starting the Super Four campaign on a rough pitch, the Men in Green made a fierce bounce back. Facing Sri Lanka in the second clash, they gave a dominating start as the Pakistani bowlers tore through Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Even Kamindu Mendis stitched a half-century, but Pakistan bundled them out in a modest total of 133 runs.
Salman Ali Agha and Co. kept the domination alive even in the chase. Despite some quick dismissals, Pakistan secured a thrilling victory. Reflecting on the match, skipper Salman Ali Agha acknowledged the mistakes but praised the squad for their commanding performance on the field.
“I always smile. Can't say it is a perfect game. We lost four wickets in 3 overs. Apart from that, it was a perfect game. We need to stop these. Our fielding coach (Shane McDermott) has been working really hard with us. We have named him Rockstar. Our players have been doing extra on the field,” he said.
Heartfelt applause for Shaheen
In the past few clashes, Shaheen Afridi’s form sparked eyebrows, but his performance in the last game silenced all the doubts. As Sri Lanka batted first in the last clash, Shaheen marked the first blood as he sent back Kusal Mendis on a duck. Soon after that, he dismissed Pathum Nissanka on just 8 runs.
Amidst the slump, Kamindu Mendis’ half-century gave hope to Sri Lanka, but Shaheen dismissed him on a crucial point and turned the tide. Praising his impact, Salman Ali Agha hailed Shaheen as the team’s ‘Match-Winner’.
“Shaheen has been bowling really well. He is an asset for us. He is a match-winner,” he said.
Agha hails Talat and Nawaz for stellar performance
After a steady start in the chase, Pakistan lost a few quick wickets, but Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz’s exceptional batting turned the tide. As the Sri Lankan bowlers are aiming for dominance, their 58-run stand pushed the Men in Green towards glory. Post-match, skipper Salman Ali Agha lauded the duo for their exceptional all-round display.
“We play so many all-rounders as the game nowadays demands that. I know Talat for several years. Really happy for him. Nawaz as a batter has so much potential. Hope both can continue. Abrar has been bowling well. Whenever we are in a difficult situation, I go to him. Hope he can continue like this for many more seasons for Pakistan,” he added.
With one victory and one defeat in the Super Four stage, Pakistan has left with one match against Bangladesh. Eyeing a spot in the final, the Men in Green will look to maintain their dominant form.
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