Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has admitted that one crucial decision during the Asia Cup 2025 Final against India national cricket team remains the biggest regret of his captaincy career so far.
Speaking during an interview on an ARY podcast, Salman Ali Agha revealed that giving the final over to fast bowler Haris Rauf instead of continuing with spinner Abrar Ahmed was a decision he still reflects upon. According to Agha, the outcome of the match might have been different had things gone another way.
“I think my biggest regret is giving the over to Haris Rauf in the Asia Cup final. If I had continued with Abrar, the result could have been completely different,” Agha said during the conversation.
The high-pressure final of the Asia Cup 2025 was played on September 28 at the Dubai International Stadium, where Pakistan managed to score 146 runs after batting first. Despite the modest total, Pakistan’s bowlers kept the contest alive and pushed the match into a tense final over.
India required 10 runs from the last six deliveries when Agha faced a major tactical decision. However, Abrar Ahmed had already completed his four-over spell, leaving Pakistan with limited bowling options. Agha ultimately trusted Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s lead pacer in white-ball cricket.
The move did not work in Pakistan’s favor as Tilak Varma smashed a crucial six before Rinku Singh finished the chase with a boundary. India secured victory with two balls remaining, while Haris Rauf ended with expensive bowling figures after conceding heavily in his spell.
Reflecting on the heartbreaking loss, Agha acknowledged that while there may have been other mistakes during the game, the final-over decision continues to stand out as the defining moment of Pakistan’s defeat against their arch-rivals.
Also read: Will Pakistan Play India? Salman Ali Agha Clarifies Situation
