International career
In January 2021, he was named in Pakistan's Test squad for their series against South Africa. [10] [11]
In March 2021, he was again named in Pakistan's Test squad, this time for their series against Zimbabwe. [12] [13]
In June 2021, Salman was named in Pakistan's One Day International (ODI) squad for the series against England. [14]
In June 2022, he was named in Pakistan's Test squad for their two-match series in Sri Lanka. [15] He made his Test debut during that series. [16] In the second match he was noted for his 62 off 126 balls in a losing match where other batters had struggled. [17]
In August 2022, he was named in Pakistan's ODI squad, for their tour of the Netherlands. [18] He made his ODI debut during that series. [19]
In December 2022, against New Zealand in Karachi, he scored his maiden Test hundred. [20] His innings helped Pakistan recover from a top-order collapse. [21]
In May 2023, during the 4th ODI of the New Zealand tour of Pakistan, Agha played a key counter-attacking innings, scoring 58 runs off 43 balls to consolidate Pakistan’s dominance after an early slowdown. During a brief spell of pressure, using sweep and reverse-sweep shots and decisive footwork to regain momentum. He reached his half-century off 40 balls with a straight six off Cole McConchie, also completing a 100-run partnership with Babar Azam. His aggressive batting in the middle overs turned the match in Pakistan’s favor, setting the foundation for the team’s total that secured the No. 1 ODI ranking for Pakistan. [22]
In July 2023, Agha was judged Player of the Series of the Pakistani tour of Sri Lanka, Pakistan winning the Test series 2-0 (2), with Agha scoring 221 runs and taking 3 wickets. In the first Test in Galle, Agha played a vital supporting innings that helped Pakistan recover from 101 for 5 to a commanding total of 461 runs. Salman’s ability to counterattack and maintain scoring momentum allowed Saud Shakeel to settle and reach a double century, marking the partnership as one of the key turning points of the match. [23] In the second Test Agha would score an unbeaten 132* off 154 deliveries.
In November 2023, he was named in Pakistan squad for Australian test tour. [24] In August 2024, he was named in Pakistan's squad for test series against Bangladesh at home. [25]
In September 2024, he was named in Pakistan’s squad for their Test series against England at home. In October 2024, in the second Test at Multan, Agha played another crucial lower-order rescue act, scoring a counter-attacking half-century that turned a precarious position into a defendable total. Pakistan were struggling when Salman, batting with the tail, added 65 runs off 73 balls for the ninth wicket with Sajid Khan, helping extend the lead close to 300. ESPNcricinfo 's Danyal Rasool described him as "Pakistan’s get-out-of-jail-free card", noting that no batter had scored more runs at No. 7 or 8 in the current WTC cycle, and highlighting his repeated habit of salvaging innings when the top order collapses. Salman’s innings, marked by confident use of the sweep and a six over long-off to reach fifty, underlined his growing reputation as Pakistan’s most dependable lower-order batter. [26]
In December 2024, in the first ODI against South Africa in an away tour, Agha produced one of his finest all-round performances for Pakistan, earning the Player-of-the-Match award. He took 4 wickets with his part-time off-spin, dismantling South Africa’s top and middle order as they slumped from 70 for 0 to 88 for 4, before guiding Pakistan’s chase with an unbeaten 82. Coming in at 60 for 4, Salman steadied the innings in a 141-run partnership with Saim Ayub, using patience and placement to rebuild before accelerating in the death overs. He finished the match with a composed stand alongside Naseem Shah, sealing the victory with a straight drive for four off Marco Jansen. In a gesture of sportsmanship, Salman handed his Player-of-the-Match award to Ayub, recognizing his partner’s debut century. [27]
In February 2025, during the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, Salman scored his maiden ODI hundred against South Africa. [28] It was a must win match against South Africa in a tri-nation series involving Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa cricket teams. Responding to South Africa's 352, it was Pakistan's highest successful ODI chase. [29] Agha hit 134 off 103 deliveries and also took two catches, including a one-handed dive to get rid off Matthew Breetzke who had looked dangerous. Agha was judged Player of the Series.
In August 2025, Salman Ali Agha led Pakistan to a 2-1 T20 series victory against the West Indies in Lauderhill, Florida. Although his personal performance with the bat was modest, his leadership was crucial to the team's success. He commended his bowlers, particularly the spinners, for their key role in the series win.
In November 2025, Pakistan took a 1–0 lead in the ODI home series against Sri Lanka with a narrow six-run win in Karachi thanks to Agha’s second ODI century, which rescued them from a slow start and set up a competitive total. Agha was declared Player of the Match for his 105* (87). [30]
In February 2026, Agha was declared Player of the Series for the Australia’s 2025-26 tour of Pakistan, a T20I series which Pakistan won 3-0, for his 120 runs, having been the Player of the Match in the second match for his 76 (40). [31]
