The second ODI between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur was memorable for more than just the result. Pakistan registered a commanding 128-run victory, but the match also produced one of the most debated moments of the series – an unusual run-out involving Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha and Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
The incident, which took place during Pakistan’s innings, sparked heated exchanges between players and quickly became the centre of discussion among fans and experts. After the match, both captains addressed the controversy and explained their perspectives on what happened.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz defends his decision to run out Salman Agha
Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz stood by his actions during the post-match presentation, insisting that he simply reacted to the situation while trying to prevent a possible run.
“He was away from the wicket, and I was just looking for the ball. If you miss, he would go for the run. So I was just thinking like that,” Mehidy explained.
The Bangladesh skipper further elaborated on what was going through his mind at that moment in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings.
“My intention was only to stop the ball and save a potential run. He was outside the crease and I was just going towards the ball. If I had missed the ball, he could have easily taken a run, so I decided to throw at the stumps,” he said.
The quick reaction from Mehidy resulted in Agha being run out, a dismissal that briefly shifted the momentum of the match. Following the incident, Pakistan lost several quick wickets, with their batting lineup collapsing towards the end of the innings.
However, Bangladesh could not capitalize on that momentum. Reflecting on the overall match, Mehidy admitted that his side needed to improve their batting performance after being bowled out for just 114 runs while chasing a revised DLS target.
Salman Agha reflects on the incident
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who had played a crucial knock of 64 runs off 62 balls, offered a more measured view while speaking after the match. Although he acknowledged that Mehidy’s action was within the laws of cricket, he suggested he personally would have handled the situation differently.
“I think sportsman spirit has to be there,” Agha said. “What he [Mehidy] has done is in the law. I think if he thinks it’s right, it’s right, but if you ask me my perspective, I would have done differently. I would have gone for sportsman spirit. We haven’t done this [type of thing] previously, we would never do that in the future as well.”
Agha also explained why he had stepped out of his crease in the first place. According to him, he believed the ball had already become harmless after hitting both his pad and bat.
“Actually, the ball hit on my pad and then my bat,” Agha explained. “So I thought he can’t get me run-out now, because the ball already hit on my pad and my bat. I was just trying to give him the ball back. I was not looking for the run or anything like that, but he already decided [to make the run-out].”
The moment also saw Agha visibly frustrated on the field, throwing his gloves and helmet to the ground and engaging in a brief exchange with Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das. Looking back, the Pakistan captain admitted that his reaction was driven by emotion in the heat of the moment.
“It was just heat-of-the-moment kind of stuff,” Agha admitted. “If you ask me what would I have done, I would have done things differently. But it was everything, whatever happened after that, it was in the moment.”
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Speaking about the verbal exchange with Litton Das, Agha offered a candid reflection.
“I can’t remember what I was saying and I can’t remember what he was saying. I’m sure I wasn’t saying nice things, and I’m sure he wasn’t saying nice stuff as well. But it was just heat of the moment, so we are fine.”
When asked whether he had spoken to Mehidy after the match, Agha responded with a hint of humor while acknowledging that emotions were still fresh.
“I haven’t yet, but don’t worry, I’ll find him,” Agha said with a wry smile.
He later added: “I haven’t spoken to him yet, but we will. Don’t worry, we are fine.”
Despite the controversy, Pakistan delivered a dominant performance to level the three-match ODI series 1-1. After posting 274 runs, they bundled Bangladesh out for 114 while chasing a rain-adjusted target of 243 in 32 overs.
With the series now tied, the third and final ODI – scheduled for March 16 in Mirpur – promises a thrilling decider, with both teams eager to settle the contest on the field.
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