Salman Agha Calls Abrar Ahmed His Go-To Bowler in Tough Situations

Pakistan captain Salman Agha hailed leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed as his trusted option in high-pressure scenarios following a commanding five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super Fours match on Tuesday. The win, achieved with two overs to spare while chasing a modest 134, marked Pakistan's first triumph in the round and showcased a balanced performance across batting, bowling, and fielding. Shaheen Afridi's 3/28 and Hussain Talat's all-round contribution of 2/18 and 32 not out laid the foundation, while Abrar's economical 1/8 from four overs helped stifle Sri Lanka's innings early.

The match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium highlighted Pakistan's ability to recover from an early stumble, losing four wickets in the first three overs of their chase. "Apart from that, it was a perfect game. We need to stop these," Agha remarked during the post-match presentation. He singled out Abrar for his consistency, stating, "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." Agha's comments underscore Abrar's growing role in white-ball cricket, where the 20-year-old has emerged as a key asset since his debut in 2022, blending guile with variations to trouble opponents on subcontinental pitches.

Agha also credited the team's enhanced fielding standards to dedicated coaching, affectionately dubbing the specialist "Rockstar" for his rigorous sessions. He praised Afridi as a "match-winner" and an "asset," while appreciating the contributions of all-rounders Talat and Mohammad Nawaz (38 not out).

"We play so many all-rounders as the game nowadays demands that. I have known Talat for several years, and I am really happy for him. Nawaz as a batter has so much potential," Agha said. This victory boosts Pakistan's campaign in the Asia Cup, a tournament featuring top Asian sides and serving as a precursor to the 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

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In contrast, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka lamented his team's collapse, losing five wickets before the 10th over while posting just 133. "The surface was good. They bowled and fielded really well in the first 8-9 overs. We just scored 133. But we didn't give up and fought really hard. Hasaranga is a superstar in white ball cricket," Asalanka noted, referring to Wanindu Hasaranga's efforts despite the defeat.

Talat, named Player of the Match, reflected on the challenging conditions: "It is difficult as it is hot. The conditions were not easy. I took my time... I have been working on my bowling quite a lot with the bowling coach. I had to back my plan B." The result positions Pakistan strongly in the Super Fours, with implications for semi-final qualification amid a competitive group stage.

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