Sunil Gavaskar, the former legendary Indian batsman, described Pakistan pacer, Hasan Ali, as the weak link in the Pakistan team after they crashed out of the T20 World Cup 2021 following a 5 wicket loss to Australia in the second semi-final.
Hasan Ali, who had a poor World Cup, was expensive in the knockout clash as well. He went for 44 in his four overs and did not claim a wicket. More significantly, he dropped Matthew Wade during a crucial stage in the match. Matthew Wade went on to slam Shaheen Shah Afridi for three consecutive sixes to seal victory for Australia.
Sunil Gavaskar: Hasan Ali Didn’t Bowl Well And One Isn’t Really Sure About His Batting Ability
Speaking after Pakistan’s loss in the 2nd semi-final, Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that pacer Hasan Ali struggled throughout the T20 World Cup 2021, with the ball and in the field.
In an interaction, the former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said: “Even good fielders drop catches under pressure. But Hasan Ali was the weak link in the Pakistan team. He didn’t bowl well and one is not really sure about his batting ability. Earlier as well during the tournament, he had misfielded and given away easy runs. Sometimes teams have a weak link in their squad and in this tournament it was Hasan Ali for Pakistan.”
Hasan Ali claimed only five wickets in six matches for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2021. Apart from giving away too many runs, he was also guilty of bowling quite a few no balls. Going into the last four overs, Australia needed 50 runs to win, making Pakistan the favourites to reach the final. However, Matthew Wade played a blinder to turn the game on its head.
Hasan Ali made his international debut for Pakistan in August 2016 in ODI and was named in Pakistan’s squad for the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan won with Hasan Ali, named player of the series, after taking thirteen wickets.
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 T20I WC, averaging a high 41.4 at an economy rate of 9, playing 6 games.
Sunil Gavaskar: Pakistan’s Supporters Were Confident As Pakistan Won All 5 Of Group League Matches And Had The Upper Edge Till The Last 2-3 Overs
Sunil Gavaskar also agreed that Pakistan had the upper hand going into the last few overs, which is why the fans of the team were left extremely dejected. Besides, dropping a catch off Matthew Wade, right-arm seamer Hasan Ali came into the firing line for his wicketless four overs. Matthew Wade subsequently smacked Shaheen Shah Afridi for three sixes as Australia won with an over to spare.
Reacting to Pakistan’s loss, Sunil Gavaskar said: “It doesn’t feel good to see fans sad after their team loses. Pakistan’s supporters were very confident of their team doing well. They had a right to think so because Pakistan won all five of their group stage matches, and did so quite easily.”
“Till the last 2-3 overs, it seemed liked Pakistan’s match. To lose after that, it obviously feels disappointing. Whenever you win, you need to take it with humility and grace. When you lose too, you need to accept that the other team was better than you today.”
Marcus Stoinis (40*) & Matthew Wade (41*) took Australia over the line in a pulsating finish in Dubai against Pakistan. After being asked to bat first, the Men in Green set Australia a target of 177 in 20 overs in the 2nd semi-final in Dubai. Australia and New Zealand will meet in the final of the T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday in a rematch of the 2015 ODI World Cup summit clash.