Salman Ali Agha Makes History Despite Pakistan's Loss to Bangladesh

Historic Performance by Salman Ali Agha

In a thrilling encounter on March 15, Pakistan's vice-captain Salman Ali Agha etched his name in the record books, even as his team faced an 11-run defeat against Bangladesh in the final ODI of their three-match series at the renowned Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. Agha delivered a remarkable innings, scoring 106 runs off just 98 balls after the team found itself in a precarious position at 67-4 while chasing a target of 291 runs. This result secured a 2-1 series victory for Bangladesh, who had previously won the first ODI by eight wickets. Pakistan had claimed the second ODI by a significant margin of 128 runs, setting the stage for a decisive third match. Tanzid Hasan also made headlines with his century for Bangladesh, scoring 107 runs, while Taskin Ahmed showcased his bowling prowess with a four-wicket haul.

Salman Ali Agha's Unique Achievement

Agha's century is particularly noteworthy as he becomes the first player from a visiting team to score a century while batting at number six or lower in a run chase in Bangladesh. The previous record for the highest score by an away team batter in this position during a chase was held by three players. Below is a list of the most runs scored from number six or below in ODI cricket while chasing in Bangladesh by visiting players:

Despite the loss, Agha's performance stands out as he is only the fourth player to score a century after the fall of the fourth wicket at this venue. His score of 106 ties him with India's Suresh Raina, who also scored 106 against Sri Lanka in 2010 at the same ground while batting first. Other notable centuries at this venue include Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz (100 vs. India in 2022) and Nasir Hossain (100 vs. Pakistan in 2011). Hossain remains the only Bangladeshi player to score a century while chasing from this batting position. Consequently, Agha now holds the record for the highest individual score in the second innings from number six or below in Bangladesh. Additionally, Agha and Raina share the record for the second-highest individual score in ODI cricket from this position in Bangladesh, trailing behind Pakistan's Mohammad Yousuf, who scored 112 runs at Dhaka's National Stadium against Bangladesh in 2002 during the first innings.