Copyright Cricket Addictor
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opened up about concerns regarding the team’s recent form after the third and final T20I against South Africa in Lahore. Agha stated that the Men in Green still have a strong winning percentage despite losing a series to Bangladesh and finishing as runners-up in the Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan secured a 2-1 series victory over South Africa despite losing the series opener. The home team registered back-to-back wins to clinch the trophy. In the final match, Pakistan chased down a 140-run target with six wickets and six balls to spare. Babar Azam was named Player of the Match for his half-century. We Lost the Series to Bangladesh and Played the Asia Cup Final - Salman Ali Agha In his post-match press conference, Salman Ali Agha was asked about Pakistan’s recent form and the criticism surrounding it. He acknowledged the series loss to Bangladesh and the runner-up finish in the Asia Cup, but added that the overall team morale remains positive. "Sir, we lost the series to Bangladesh and played the Asia Cup final. So, there's definitely a narrative that the team's performance isn't great. But if you look at the facts, our winning ratio is 70%. Any team that is number one in the world has that kind of ratio," the Pakistan skipper said. Don't Think There Will Be Major Changes This Time - Salman Ali Agha Salman Ali Agha stated that the team will need to adjust to lower-scoring pitches during the upcoming World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. He expects totals to be around the 140-150 range, especially in the latter stages, similar to the conditions seen in Sri Lanka during the 2012 and 2014 editions. "I don't think there will be 170 or 180 matches there; you'll see scores of 140 or 150. Yes, maybe initially, 160 or 170, but as you get to the business end, you will get matches like 140-150. I remember the 2012 or 2014 World Cup in Sri Lanka the West Indies won was similar; the end games were around 130-140. I don't think there will be major changes this time," Agha stated. "It depends on how the pitch is behaving. If the pitch is a 140-run pitch, then it would be foolish to try and make it a 180-190 score." Pakistan thump South Africa at home Pakistan bowlers restricted South Africa to 139 for 9 in 20 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi set the tone by removing Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius for ducks. Reeza Hendricks (34 off 36), Donovan Ferreira (29 off 14 balls), and Corbin Bosch (unbeaten 30 off 23 balls) chipped in for the visiting team. Saim Ayub departed for a duck, but Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan added 36 runs. Babar and Agha shared a 76-run stand that brought the target within reach. Both set batters fell in quick succession, which triggered a collapse as Pakistan slipped to 133 for 6. With only seven needed from 10 balls, Faheem Ashraf and Usman Khan stayed composed to complete the chase with six wickets in hand and six deliveries remaining.
