‘Anyone who loses usually reacts in such a manner’ – Virender Sehwag on Pakistan fans’ anger on Hasan Ali after Pakistan’s T20 WC exit

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag said that fans’ anger on Hasan Ali after Pakistan’s semi-final loss against Australia in Dubai is justified. However, the Nawab of Najafgarh also urged the supporters to back the Men in Green in tough times. On Thursday, November 11, the 27-year-old Hasan had an off day as he leaked 44 runs in the four overs he bowled.

In the final over, Ali dropped a simple catch off Shaheen Shah Afridi as Matthew Wade got a lifeline. Wade went on to make Pakistan pay as he smashed Afridi for three sixes in a row to help the Aussies win by five wickets with six balls left. Babar Azam and Co. had won all their five matches in the Super 12 before going down in the semis.

“Anyone who loses usually reacts in such a manner. So entire Pakistan would be blaming Hasan Ali for their loss. After he dropped the catch, Wade hit three sixes in three balls and finished the match. I think their anger is justified but it’s the same Pakistan team they supported and so when they lose, they should still be supported,” Sehwag said in a video on his Facebook page.

Time’s trait is that it changes for sure, says Virender Sehwag

On Wednesday, November 10, New Zealand came out trumps against England in a similar sort of a run-chase. Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 72 and James Neesham’s 27-run cameo helped the Black Caps over the finishing line at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

“Day before yesterday Daryl Mitchell and yesterday, Matthew Wade, if someone would have been asked about both of them before the start of the tournament, hardly anyone would have considered them to be the ones who’ll take their team to the finals. That’s why cricket is an unpredictable game,” Sehwag said.

Prior to the World Cup, both Australia and New Zealand lost bilateral T20I series in Bangladesh. In fact, the Aussies also lost 1-4 to the West Indies. Sehwag lauded the two teams for making strong comebacks.

“Time’s trait is that it changes for sure. Both New Zealand and Australia lost a five-match T20I series against Bangladesh in Dhaka and now both are playing T20 World Cup Finals,” he added.