“A tough one to swallow…”, frustrated Pakistan Captain Salman Agha Throws Runner-Up Cheque After Asia Cup Final Loss
"A tough one to swallow...", frustrated Pakistan Captain Salman Agha Throws Runner-Up Cheque After Asia Cup Final Loss
Frustration spills over as Pakistan collapse against India, losing the title clash for the third time in three weeks
Pakistan’s misfortunes in the Asia Cup continued as they suffered yet another defeat against India, this time in the tournament final. India lifted their ninth Asia Cup trophy, while Pakistan were left heartbroken after a dramatic collapse cost them the game.
At the post-match presentation, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s frustration was on full display. After being handed the runners-up cheque, he visibly showed his disappointment by throwing it away in front of PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, a gesture that quickly went viral.
Speaking after the loss, Agha admitted the defeat was “a tough one to swallow.” He said, “We couldn’t finish nicely with the bat. Bowling we were outstanding, but if we had finished well, it would have been a different story. We need to sort our batting. I am proud of my team, we as a unit are very proud and we have a lot to look forward to.”
The Match Story
India won the toss and put Pakistan to bat. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan gave their side a strong start, with Farhan scoring a half-century and Zaman continuing confidently. At one stage, Pakistan looked set for a commanding total.
However, India’s spinners led by Kuldeep Yadav turned the game around in the middle overs. Regular strikes triggered a shocking collapse, with Pakistan losing nine wickets for just 33 runs, tumbling from a strong position to being bowled out for only 146.
Chasing a modest total, India faced early setbacks. Faheem Ashraf removed Abhishek Sharma, while quick dismissals of Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill left India reeling at 20/3 within four overs. Pakistan briefly scented an upset, but Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson steadied the innings.
Samson’s dismissal gave Pakistan hope, but Shivam Dube’s timely big hits and Tilak’s calm presence ensured India stayed in control. Rinku Singh sealed the win with the final runs, as India claimed yet another Asia Cup title.
