DUBAI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to trust Haris Rauf with the final over of the Asia Cup 2025 final drew sharp criticism after the pacer conceded heavily in the decisive moments against India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Rauf finished with figures of none for 50 in just 3.4 overs, leaking runs at an economy rate of 13.63. His expensive spell proved costly as Pakistan failed to defend a 147-run target, with India securing victory by five wickets with two balls to spare.
Pakistan had clawed back into the contest when Saim Ayub delivered a tight 14th over, restricting India to just five runs and leaving them 64 short with six overs remaining. But Rauf’s return immediately shifted the momentum, as he conceded 17 runs in his second over through two boundaries, a six, and singles that released the pressure.
Further punishment followed in the 18th over, which went for 13 runs. Tasked with defending 10 in the final over, Rauf allowed 13 runs in just four deliveries, including a four and a six that sealed India’s win.
Supporters vented their frustration on social media, questioning Agha’s choice to persist with Rauf despite his struggles. Many argued that the decision exposed Pakistan’s inability to close out crunch situations, compounding disappointment after an otherwise competitive performance in the final.Fans criticise Agha for handing final over to Haris Rauf in Asia Cup defeat
DUBAI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to trust Haris Rauf with the final over of the Asia Cup 2025 final drew sharp criticism after the pacer conceded heavily in the decisive moments against India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Rauf finished with figures of none for 50 in just 3.4 overs, leaking runs at an economy rate of 13.63. His expensive spell proved costly as Pakistan failed to defend a 147-run target, with India securing victory by five wickets with two balls to spare.
Pakistan had clawed back into the contest when Saim Ayub delivered a tight 14th over, restricting India to just five runs and leaving them 64 short with six overs remaining. But Rauf’s return immediately shifted the momentum, as he conceded 17 runs in his second over through two boundaries, a six, and singles that released the pressure.
Further punishment followed in the 18th over, which went for 13 runs. Tasked with defending 10 in the final over, Rauf allowed 13 runs in just four deliveries, including a four and a six that sealed India’s win.
Supporters vented their frustration on social media, questioning Agha’s choice to persist with Rauf despite his struggles. Many argued that the decision exposed Pakistan’s inability to close out crunch situations, compounding disappointment after an otherwise competitive performance in the final.
