Junaid Khan criticizes Salman Ali Agha's captaincy in third T20I against Zimbabwe

Former Pakistan fast bowler Junaid Khan has criticized stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha for his decision-making during the final T20I of the series against Zimbabwe, which Pakistan lost in a thrilling finish at Queens Sports Club on Thursday.

Pakistan, defending a modest total of 133, had Zimbabwe on the ropes with the hosts needing 12 runs from the final over. At that stage, Zimbabwe was 121/7, with debutant Tinotenda Maposa and Tashinga Musekiwa at the crease. However, Agha’s decision to hand the ball to young all-rounder Jahandad Khan for the crucial over backfired.

Jahandad, who was tasked with bowling the final over, was hit for a boundary and a six off the first two balls. The Zimbabwean pair managed to complete the chase, leaving Pakistan with a narrow defeat in the final moments of the game.

Junaid Khan, who had represented Pakistan in several international matches, expressed his disappointment with Agha’s captaincy. He pointed out that Mohammad Hasnain, who is more experienced, should have been given the responsibility to bowl the final over instead of the young Jahandad.

"Poor captaincy, if Hasnain had overs left, he should've bowled the last over as he is more experienced rather than giving it to a youngster," Junaid Khan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing Agha's decision.

While Agha’s captaincy came under scrutiny, he remained upbeat about his own performance in the series. During the post-match presentation, the stand-in captain reflected on his contributions, though he admitted he would have liked to score more runs.

"I would have liked to score more runs but yeah I'm happy I'm contributing with bowling and as captain," Agha said after the match, praising his overall efforts in the series.

The loss in the third T20I marked a disappointing end to Pakistan's series in Zimbabwe, as they were unable to defend the small target in the final stages. Agha’s captaincy and tactical decisions are now under the spotlight, with many questioning his handling of pressure situations.