The ongoing cricket series between Pakistan and England is making headlines not just for the thrilling performances but also for the controversies surrounding the matches. One such incident unfolded during the second day of the Multan Test, where a seemingly routine catch led to a significant uproar involving Pakistan’s Salman Agha and the England team.
Controversial Catch Causes Upheaval
It’s rare to witness a match involving Pakistan without some form of dispute. The Multan Test did not disappoint in this regard. Salman Agha, batting at a crucial moment, faced a delivery from England’s Jack Leach in the 117th over. Agha executed a high shot that appeared to be caught by Chris Woakes at the long-off boundary. Woakes, after catching the ball, celebrated with his teammates, believing he had made a decisive play.
However, the celebrations were short-lived. Upon reviewing the incident through replays, third umpire Chris Gaffney reached a controversial conclusion. He determined that Woakes’ foot had made contact with the boundary while attempting the catch, thus ruling the play a six and declaring Agha not out. This decision left the England players visibly frustrated and added to the drama of the match.
Controversy in Multan! Chris Woakes thought he took the catch cleanly, but the umpire gave it a SIX. Agha Salman bats on 🇵🇰😳
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 8, 2024
Pakistan’s Strong Performance
Despite the controversy, Pakistan has showcased a strong performance in the Multan Test. The team’s score crossed the impressive milestone of 500 runs, indicating their dominance in the match. Captain Shan Masood led from the front with an outstanding century, scoring 151 runs, while Abdullah Shafiq contributed with a solid 102. Saud Shakeel also played a vital role with 82 runs, and by the time of reporting, Agha himself had reached a century, solidifying Pakistan’s position in the game.
This incident adds another layer to the already gripping narrative of the series as fans eagerly await further developments. The Multan Test continues to highlight not only the skills on display but also the dramatic twists that cricket often brings, leaving audiences captivated and engaged.
