Fakhar Zaman proud of 'champion' Hasan Ali

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has described Hasan Ali as a "fighter" who will bounce back from the crucial dropped catch of Matthew Wade, who later won Australia the semifinal match by five wickets.

After having a disappointing night with the ball, Hasan remained wicketless and conceded 44 runs from his four overs. In the closing stages of the game, he was placed on the boundary where he dropped the all-important catch in the penultimate over.

Later in the over, Matthew Wade smashed Shaheen Shah Afridi for three consecutive sixes to knock Pakistan out of the tournament.

This mistake from Hasan saw a lot of abuse being hurled towards the player which later prompted him to post an apology on his Twitter account.

میرا سینہ تیری حُرمت کا ہے سنگین حصار،
میرے محبوب وطن تُجھ پہ اگر جاں ہو نثار

میں یہ سمجھوں گا ٹھکانے لگا سرمایہِ تن،
اے میرے پیارے وطن 💚🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/4xiTS0hAvx

— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) November 13, 2021

Responding to his heartfelt tweet, Fakhar Zaman said: "You are a champion mere dost. You are a fighter. There are not many players in the world who can match your hard work, grit and determination. Keep the head high. We are all so proud of you."

You are a champion mere dost. You are a fighter. There are not many players in the world who can match your hard work, grit and determination. Keep the head high. We are all so proud of you @RealHa55an. https://t.co/323o812Uts

— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) November 13, 2021

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam also addressed the criticism aimed towards Hasan Ali and said that cricket is a team game hence individuals should not be discussed.

“I don’t feel like that,” Babar said on the defeat being blamed on Hasan’s dropped catch. “If the catch was taken then the scenario would have been different but it is part of the game.

“He is my main bowler and he has won many matches for Pakistan. Players drop catches but he is a fighter and I will back him.

“Everybody doesn’t perform every day. There is a day when one performs, it was just not his day. He is down and we will lift his mood. People will talk but we keep playing,” added Babar.