The fourth match of the Asia Cup 2025 between Pakistan and Oman began with an early twist as Pakistan opener Saim Ayub was dismissed in the very first over. The setback, however, was quickly repaired by Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan, who steadied the innings with an 85-run partnership. Haris was particularly aggressive, smashing his half-century in just 32 balls with a flurry of fearless shots, while Farhan anchored the other end with calm assurance.
Just as Pakistan looked to be taking control, veteran spinner Aamir Kaleem turned the game on its head. The 43-year-old left-arm bowler picked up three crucial wickets in quick succession, including both set batters and skipper Salman Ali Agha, all within the space of the 13th over. The dismissals of Haris and Farhan were results of disciplined bowling, but the wicket of Agha came in highly unusual fashion.
Haris, batting on 65, fell first as he misjudged a reverse sweep and chopped the ball back onto his stumps. With the momentum broken, Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha walked to the crease under pressure. Kaleem, however, delivered what looked like a gift—a juicy waist-high full toss. Instead of dispatching it into the stands, Agha mistimed a half-hearted pull shot, handing a simple catch to Hammad Mirza at deep mid-wicket.
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The bizarre dismissal stunned fans and teammates alike, as Agha departed for a golden duck on a delivery that many expected to be punished. Kaleem, fully aware of the fortune behind the wicket, looked skyward and celebrated with folded hands, acknowledging what he himself knew was one of the least convincing dismissals a bowler could ask for.
Nevertheless, the wicket proved to be a turning point. At 43 years of age, Kaleem’s triple strike not only halted Pakistan’s progress but also injected fresh life into Oman’s challenge. It was a reminder that in cricket, moments of luck can be just as impactful as moments of skill, and on this day, Kaleem’s fortune swung the contest back in Oman’s favor.