Pakistan captain Salman Agha suggested that umpires may have erred in ruling Fakhar Zaman out during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against India on Sunday, September 21. Salman Agha argued that the ball appeared to bounce before reaching wicketkeeper Sanju Samson.
Batting first, Pakistan lost their opener early when Zaman edged Hardik Pandya’s delivery in the third over and was caught behind by Samson. The on-field umpires were uncertain whether the catch was clean and referred it to the third umpire, who eventually confirmed the dismissal.
Zaman had shown promise with three boundaries but managed only 15 runs from nine balls. Following his exit, Sahibzada Farhan (58) and Saim Ayub (21) put together a vital 72-run partnership for the second wicket, ensuring Pakistan a solid platform.
“To me, it bounced before reaching the keeper”: Salman Agha on Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal
Pakistan captain Salman Agha hinted at a possible umpiring error regarding Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal during the post-match press conference. He suggested that the Men in Green might have posted a much bigger total had Zaman batted throughout the powerplay.
“I don’t know about the decision. Obviously, it’s the umpire’s call. Umpires can make mistakes, and I have no problem with that. But it did look to me like it bounced before reaching the keeper,” Salman Agha said.
He added, “I might be wrong, though. Judging by the way he was batting, if he had stayed through the powerplay, we probably could have scored around 190. But yes, it’s the umpire’s call, and they can make mistakes.”
Salman Agha also reflected on Pakistan’s innings, admitting that the team should have posted a total exceeding 180 after a solid start. Pakistan reached 91/1 after 10 overs, but a brilliant spell from the Indian bowlers slowed the run-rate in the latter half, and the Men in Green finished at 171/5.
“It wasn’t a disappointing total, but we should have added 10-15 more runs. After 10 overs, when the ball gets softer, scoring becomes difficult at this venue. But given our start, we should have easily crossed 180,” he said.
India’s openers, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, showcased outstanding batting during the 172-run chase, putting together a 105-run opening partnership. Gill fell just short of his half-century, scoring 47, while Abhishek smashed 74 off 39 balls to claim the Player of the Match award.
India ultimately outclassed Pakistan by six wickets, marking their fourth consecutive victory in the tournament. The defending champions will next face Bangladesh on September 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.