Thu Dec 05 19:10:10 UTC 2024: ## Shahzad Slams Agha’s Captaincy After Dismal Zimbabwe T20 Debut
**Bulawayo, Zimbabwe** – Former Pakistan opener Ahmad Shahzad launched a scathing attack on Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha following his underwhelming performance in the first T20I against Zimbabwe. Despite Pakistan’s 57-run victory, Agha’s 13 runs off 19 balls drew sharp criticism from Shahzad, who described the innings as “one of the ugliest T20 innings in recent times.”
Shahzad further lambasted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for appointing the 31-year-old Agha as captain of a second-string team for the three-match series, calling the decision “brainless.” The match, played on a reportedly flat wicket in Bulawayo, saw Pakistan post 165 runs, with Tayyab Tahir (39*) and Irfan Khan (27*) contributing late-innings fireworks after a slow start. Zimbabwe, in response, were bowled out for 108, despite promising starts from Tadiwanashe Marumani (33) and Sikandar Raza (39). Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem each claimed three wickets for Pakistan, while Haris Rauf took two.
While Pakistan secured a comfortable win and a 1-0 series lead, the focus remains on Agha’s captaincy and batting performance, which has sparked significant controversy. Shahzad’s outspoken criticism highlights the growing pressure on Agha to improve his performance in the upcoming matches.
First Piper 