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Pakistan's Salman Agha Confirms No. 3 Batting Role for T20 World Cup

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has confirmed he will bat at the crucial No. 3 position for his side in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup. He moved up the order to provide a more attacking option, particularly against spin bowling during the Powerplay. His promotion likely means former skipper Babar Azam will take on a new role, batting at No. 4. Pakistan's spin attack was instrumental in their 22-run victory over Australia in the first T20I, defending a total of 168 runs.

Key Points: Salman Agha to Bat at No. 3 for Pakistan in T20 World Cup

  • Agha confirms No. 3 role for T20 WC
  • Move provides attacking option vs spin
  • Babar Azam likely bats at No. 4
  • Pakistan won 1st T20I vs Australia
  • Spin bowling key to victory
2 min read

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha confirms he will bat No. 3 in T20 WC

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha confirms he will bat at No. 3 for the T20 World Cup, aiming to dominate spin during the Powerplay.

"Yes, I'll be batting at No. 3... I believe I can dominate spin during the Powerplay. - Salman Ali Agha"

New Delhi, Jan 30

As Pakistan provided hints to a new-look top six during the first T20I against Australia, captain Salman Ali Agha has confirmed he will bat at No. 3 for the side during the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Ali Agha has predominantly batted later in Pakistan's top six across his T20I career but most recently has taken it upon himself to move up to the crucial No. 3 position in order to provide a more attacking option for his side.

The right-hander appeared in good touch at first drop against Australia in the opening T20I of their three-match series in Lahore on Thursday when contributing a quickfire innings of 39 as Pakistan recorded an impressive 22-run triumph just days out from the start of the T20 World Cup.

"Yes, I'll be batting at No. 3 (in the future). We expect to face a lot of spin, and I believe I can dominate spin during the Powerplay. That's why I moved up, and that is where I'll stay," Ali Agha was quoted by ICC.

Ali Agha's promotion up the order means Babar Azam will most likely also face a new role, with the former Pakistan skipper managing 24 runs from 20 deliveries against the Aussies after coming into bat at No. 4.

Pakistan successfully defended their 168-run total in the first of the three T20Is against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday evening.

In reply, the Aussies lost six wickets to spin in reply as their run chase fell 22 runs short of the target.

Speaking about the game, Ali Agha said, "We started well with the bat but couldn't finish the way we wanted. It became challenging after the first 10 overs as the ball stopped coming onto the bat, but I think we were outstanding with the ball.

"To be honest, I felt 170 was enough. Given how we were placed after 10 overs, we probably could have scored 15 more, but I knew 170 would be plenty on this pitch because our spin bowling is outstanding."

The second and third matches of the series will be played on Saturday and Sunday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, I appreciate the tactical thinking. Planning for spin dominance in the Powerplay is smart, especially for subcontinent pitches. His 39 was a good start. Hope this confidence translates into consistent performances for them. The India-Pakistan match just got more interesting! 🏏
A
Aditya G
Yaar, why is this news in our papers? We should focus on our own team's combination. Having said that, Pakistan looks like they are trying to fix their middle-order issues. But moving your best player (Babar) is a risky gamble. Our bowlers will have plans ready for whoever bats where 😉
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Priyanka N
Good to see a captain leading from the front. Takes guts to promote yourself to a crucial spot. The real test will be under pressure in a World Cup game, not just a bilateral series. All the best to them (except when they play us, of course!).
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Michael C
Respectful criticism: Announcing your batting position so publicly before a global tournament seems like a strategic error. Now every opposition analyst will be preparing specifically for Salman Agha at No. 3. Sometimes it's better to keep the opposition guessing.
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Kavya N
Their spin attack won them the match, not the batting. 168 is not a huge total these days. If they want to compete for the cup, their batters need to fire more consistently. But credit for trying new things so close to the tournament.

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