Explained! Was Salman Agha Wrongly Given Out During BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI?

The Pakistan cricket team walked into the second ODI against Bangladesh under pressure after a humiliating defeat in the first match of the series. In the series opener, the hosts dominated completely, bowling Pakistan out cheaply and chasing down the target with ease to take an early lead in the three-match series.

Hoping to bounce back, Pakistan’s batters looked more settled in the second ODI with Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan steadying the ship after early wickets. However, just when the partnership seemed to be putting Pakistan in control, a bizarre and controversial moment changed the course of the game.

Explained! Salman Agha Run Out During BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI

The controversial moment came in the 39th over of the Pakistan innings when Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled a delivery to the team's wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. The right-handed batter chipped the ball back towards the bowler, and Miraz stopped it close to Agha, who was at the non-striker's end.

Allrounder Salman Agha was also standing nearby at the non-striker's end as the ball trickled near both of them. The non-striker was out of his crease but surprisingly, had no intentions or returning back. Agha tried to pick up the ball and give it back to the bowler but Miraz had other ideas.

Miraz, one of the best all-rounders in the world, reacted quickly, grabbed the ball, and threw it to the stumps at the non-striker's end while Agha was still outside the crease. The on-field umpire sent the decision upstairs, and the right-hander was given run out. Agha looked completely frustrated with the decision and slammed his gloves and helmet to the ground.

He even exchanged a few words with Miraz before walking off, after which Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das and Pakistani batter Mohammed Rizwan had to intervene and calm the situation down.

Agha was batting on 64 runs and looked firm to put up a big score for himself, but the dismissal broke Pakistan's momentum. Salman Agha controversial run out was completely within the laws of the game, but it ignited debate around the sportsman's spirit on social media.

Pakistan All Out on 274 runs

The Salman Agha Mehidy Hasan Miraz controversy proved to be a turning point in the BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI as the visitors lost momentum completely and the hosts ensured that they made the most out of it. Pakistan were 231/3 before Agha was dismissed, and the Pakistan team still had a lot of batting options left.

But as mentioned above, they lost the momentum, and the remaining Pakistan batting lineup fell like a pack of cards, managing only 274 runs on the scoreboard. It would be now interesting to see if the Pakistani bowlers can defend this fighting total or the hosts will win the match seal the series 2-0.