Agha relishes Pakistan’s ‘perfect’ series-winning game against Australia

It’s one thing to lead your team to a series win over an opponent you haven’t defeated in seven years. It's another to be the driving force behind that. Salman Ali Agha did both in Lahore.

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Australia tour of Pakistan, 2026 Jan 29 to Feb 01

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February 1, 2026 6:00 pm Upcoming

Match starts at Feb 01, 11:00 GMT

Australia

 

Pakistan

 

January 31, 2026 6:00 pm Result

Pakistan won by 90 runs

Australia

108/10 (15.4)

Pakistan

198/5 (20)

The ‘perfect’ game

It was a complete effort by Pakistan. Barring Sahibzada Farhan’s early fall and Babar Azam’s short stay, there was not much they did wrong. In fact, from calling it right at the toss, utilising the powerplay efficiently, to making no fielding blunders and staying on top of Australia with the ball, they were spot on everywhere.

"It has to be a perfect game. We batted well in the powerplay and middle, and we were outstanding with the ball," said captain Agha after the match.

"Fielding was outstanding. I can easily say it was a perfect game for us, and we want to replicate it tomorrow.”

Salman’s decision to promote himself up the order has paid off well so far. In the previous game, he was able to notch up a 39 off 27, though he failed to prolong the innings. This time, however, he smashed a 76 at a strike rate of 190 and took the game away from Australia.

"That's why I promoted myself at No. 3 because I know I can play spin well and intend to do the same in Sri Lanka," Agha reiterated.

Usman Khan whacking spin

Joining forces with him was wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan, who has been somewhat unimpressive for a while. Usman made sure Salman’s efforts did not go in vain and punched above his weight to help Pakistan push towards 200. While they could not quite get there, and in hindsight it did not matter, seeing Usman find his groove was all the reward the Pakistan captain hoped for.

"We know he is a very good player of spin bowling, probably the best player in our team against spin. We knew his ability and we know it's going to come soon. Hope he plays in the same way. We want to continue to play in the same way," Agha said.

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