Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistan pacer has mooted that current Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali needs to strengthen his body and needs to have a strong will in order to make a comeback. Hasan Ali endured one of his worst nights in the Pakistani jersey against Australia in the second T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final. The 27-year old went wicketless and even dropped a game-changing catch of Matthew Wade during Pakistan’s loss to Australia.
Having conceded 44 runs in four wicketless overs, Hasan Ali had more disappointment to face in the closing stages of the tightly-contested encounter in Dubai. As soon as the match was over, Hasan Ali received a lot of backlash and outrage from fans. Since then, several players have come out in support of the Pakistani pacer and the latest to join the bandwagon is Pakistani veteran Shoaib Akhtar.
Shoaib Akhtar: Hasan Ali Should Strengthen His Body And Bring Back His Pace
Shoaib Akhtar, in his YouTube video, asked Hasan Ali to put in a lot of effort in his bowling so as to achieve a strong comeback after his dismal performance against the Aussie unit. Shoaib Akhtar, while acknowledging that Hasan Ali didn’t bowl well enough on the slow Dubai surface. He advised that Hasan Ali should strengthen his body and bowl quicker. Shoaib Akhtar also pleaded with Hasan Ali not to get demoralized for his poor performance.
Shoaib Akhtar said: “I know Hasan Ali did not bowl well. He has a weak body and lacks pace. He did not have the nip to beat the batsmen on these slow wickets. He did not have that variety. He needs to think about what he needs to do now.”
”Strengthen his body and bring back his pace.He needs to put in a lot of effort again. He should not get demoralized. He needs to make a strong comeback and for a strong comeback he needs a strong body and for that he needs a strong will. He should gather all of this and I wish him the best of luck,” Akhtar added.
The former cricketer-turned-expert also lamented regarding the outward pressure and hassle players receive from fans on social media. His statement came in the wake of constant outrage lashing out by fans towards Hasan Ali who didn’t do well in the semi-final. Shoaib Akhtar extended his support to pacer Hasan Ali and entreated Pakistan fans not to use bad or dirty comments on social media.
While lamenting that a lot of players get demoralized due to the outrage they face on social media, Shoaib Akhtar said: “In this era of social media, there is utmost pressure on the players. I am telling you this from my personal experience that it’s not easy. A lot of players get demoralized. I request you not to demoralize these players and please avoid the bad and dirty comments. Just show your character that God has given you.”
David Warner smashed a 30-ball 49 during Australia’s record 177-run chase in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2021 against Pakistan. His knock, along with the efforts of Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade, helped the Kangaroos book a berth in the final of the global event against New Zealand.
Marcus Stoinis, along with Matthew Wade, put on 81 runs for the 6th wicket in just 6.3 overs to take their side over the line in the memorable semi-finals against Pakistan, who was unbeaten in the group stage. Marcus Stoinis smashed 40 not-out, while Matthew Wade hit 41* off 17 balls.
Shoaib Akhtar Urges Fans Not To Abuse Hasan Ali Or Anyone Else After Pakistan Lost The Semi-Final
Shoaib Akhtar, who has 444 international wickets to his name, also mentioned that as cricketers, it’s well within their rights to have their say on a particular cricketer. However, he also requested the audience of the game not to hit “below the belt” and use foul language against anyone.
Hasan Ali, 27, has played 15 Tests, 57 ODIs, and 47 T20Is, where he picked 63, 89, and 57 wickets, respectively. In addition, he has picked 5 scalps in 2021 T20I WC, averaging a high 41.4 at an economy rate of 9, playing 6 games.
“As a cricketer to another cricketer we can say a lot of things because we’ve played the game. But as the audience, I would request you not to hit below the belt and not abuse Hasan Ali or anyone else,” Akhtar concluded.
Following Pakistan’s defeat in the T20 World Cup 2021 semi-finals, the Men in Green are set to tour Bangladesh for a 3-match T20I and a 2-match Test series. The T20Is will begin from November 19, whereas the two-match Test series will commence from November 26.