The Second ODI between Bangladesh and Pakistan The match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur was memorable for more than just the result. Pakistan won by 128 runs, but the match also produced one of the most talked about moments of the series – Pakistan’s extraordinary run of batting. Salman Ali Agha and Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
The incident during Pakistan’s innings sparked a heated exchange between the players and soon became the center of debate among fans and pundits. After the match, both captains addressed the controversy and gave their perspectives on what happened.
Mehidi Hasan defends his decision to run from Miraz Salman Agha
Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz stood by his actions during the post-match presentation, insisting he was merely reacting to the situation as he tried to prevent a possible run.
“He was away from goal and I was just looking for the ball. If you run, he’s going to run. So I thought that.” Mehidi explained.
The Bangladeshi skipper further explained what was going through his mind at that moment in Pakistan’s 39th over.
“My aim was just to stop the ball and save the potential run. He was outside the crease and I was just walking towards the ball. If I missed the ball, he could have easily run away, so I decided to bowl it to the stumps.” he said.
Mehidi’s quick reaction resulted in Agha’s run out and briefly changed the momentum of the game. After the incident, Pakistan lost several quick wickets, with the batting line-up collapsing towards the end of the innings.
But Bangladesh could not capitalize on this momentum. Reflecting on the overall match, Mehidy admitted that his team needs to improve their batting performance after scoring just 114 runs while chasing the revised DLS target.
Salman Agha thinks about the incident
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who scored a vital knock of 64 runs off 62 balls, offered a more measured view when speaking after the match. While admitting that Mehidi’s action was within cricket’s laws, he suggested that he personally would have handled the situation differently.
“I think the sportsman’s spirit should be there” The master said. “What he (Mehidin) did is in the law. I think if he thinks it’s right, it’s right, but if you ask me for my opinion, I’d do it differently. I’d go for sportsmanship. We haven’t done it before, and we won’t do it in the future.”
Agha also explained why he came out of the fold in the first place. He said he believed the ball was harmless after it hit both his pad and bat.
“Actually, the ball hit my pad and then my bat.” The master explained. “So I thought he can’t run me now because the ball already hit my pad and my bat. I was just trying to get the ball back to him. I wasn’t looking for a run or anything like that, but he already made up his mind (to run).”
The moment saw Agha visibly frustrated on the field, dropping his gloves and helmet and having a brief chat with Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das. In retrospect, the Pakistan captain admitted his reaction was driven by emotion in the heat of the moment.
“It was just a warm thing,” Aga admitted. “If you asked me what I would have done, I would have done things differently. But everything happened, and whatever happened after that happened in that moment.”
Speaking from a verbal exchange with Litton Das, Aga offered his candid thoughts.
“I don’t remember what I said and I don’t remember what he said. I’m sure I wasn’t saying nice things and I’m sure he wasn’t saying nice things. But it was just the heat of the moment, so we’re good.”
Asked if he had spoken to Mehidi after the game, Agha responded with humor and admitted the emotions were still fresh.
“I haven’t found it yet, but don’t worry, I will” The master said with a sarcastic smile.
He then added: “I haven’t talked to him yet, but we will. Don’t worry, we’re fine.”
Despite the controversy, Pakistan produced a dominant performance to level the three-match ODI series 1-1. After posting 274 runs, they bundled out Bangladesh for 114 and chased down a rain-adjusted target of 243 in 32 overs.
With the series wrapped up, the third and final ODI, scheduled for March 16 in Mirpur, promises a thrilling decider with both teams looking to settle the contest on the field.
