India secured a 6-wicket victory against Pakistan in the Super-4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan made several changes to their team, including alterations to the opening batting partnership. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman were selected as openers. Initially, their strategy appeared to be effective. However, in the third over, Fakhar Zaman was dismissed after edging a ball from Hardik Pandya, caught behind the wickets. This dismissal marked an early setback for Pakistan. Post-match, Pakistan captain Salman Agha commented on the incident.
Salman Agha expressed his concerns about the umpire’s decision.
After the Super-4 match loss, Salman Agha was questioned about Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal. He responded by raising concerns about the umpire’s decision. Before delving into the captain’s statements, let’s review the events on the field. How did Fakhar Zaman get out?
The details of Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal.
During the third over of Pakistan’s innings, a delivery from Hardik Pandya edged off Fakhar Zaman’s bat and went directly to the wicketkeeper, Sanju Samson, who took the catch. Samson appealed immediately. The on-field umpire referred the catch to the third umpire to determine its legality. The third umpire reviewed the replays extensively and declared Fakhar Zaman out. The Pakistani batsman seemed visibly disappointed with the third umpire’s decision.
Was the decision to dismiss Fakhar Zaman a mistake by the umpire?
Fakhar Zaman was in good form, and his dismissal was a significant setback for Pakistan. Salman Agha commented on the incident after the match, stating that, from his perspective, the ball had bounced before reaching the wicketkeeper’s hands. He implied the umpire might have made an error.
A familiar pattern for the Pakistan team.
This is the second time in the Asia Cup 2025 that the Pakistani team has responded to a defeat with such claims. After losing in the group stage, the Pakistani team, also disputing the third umpire’s call, even called for the match referee’s removal. This clearly suggests a recurring trend within Pakistan’s team. As for Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal, it was a clear out, with the ball going directly into wicketkeeper Sanju Samson’s hands.