DAMBULLA: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha created history in T20 International cricket despite Pakistan’s defeat against Sri Lanka in the third T20I played in Dambulla.
Although the match ended in disappointment for Pakistan, Salman Ali Agha’s explosive and fearless batting won praise from cricket fans and experts alike.
The right-handed batter smashed an astonishing 45 runs off just 12 balls, hitting five boundaries and three sixes. His innings came at a remarkable strike rate of 375.0, the highest ever recorded by a captain in T20 Internationals, with a minimum requirement of 10 balls faced against full-member teams.
With this feat, Salman Ali Agha surpassed the previous record held by former West Indies power-hitter Kieron Pollard, who had scored 38 runs off 11 balls at a strike rate of 345.5 against Sri Lanka in 2021.
Several prominent names, including Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, and Darren Sammy, feature on the list, but Salman Ali Agha has now moved ahead of them all.
Primarily known as an off-spin all-rounder, Salman Ali Agha proved that he possesses the ability to change the course of a match with the bat during pressure situations. Cricket analysts believe this innings is a positive sign for Pakistan’s preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
While Pakistan failed to secure a victory, Salman Ali Agha’s aggressive leadership and batting display could provide renewed confidence and momentum for the national side in the coming months.