Hasan Ali, the Pakistan cricket team‘s fast bowler, broke his silence on his dropped catch episode during his team’s T20 World Cup‘s semifinal tie against Australia. His catch proved costly for his team as Matthew Wade smoked three huge sixes to take his team into the tournament’s final.

The defeat ended Pakistan’s unblemished campaign. They started the tournament by registering a handsome 10-wicket victory over arch-rivals India. They then defeated New Zealand, Scotland, Afghanistan to keep their winning streak intact.

After the episode, the fast bowler became a villain and was subjected to a lot of negativity from both fans and his captain Babar Azam. Ali was Pakistan’s star campaigner in the 2017 Champions Trophy. He emerged as the leading wicket-taker.

In a public statement, Ali apologised to his fans and also urged his fans to keep supporting him.

“I know you all are upset because my performance didn’t meet your expectations but not more disappointed than me. Don’t change your expectations from me,” Hasan Ali tweeted.

“I want to serve Pakistan cricket at the highest level possible, so back to hard work. This patch will make me stronger. Thank you for all the messages, tweets, posts, calls and duas (prayers) – needed them,” Ali further continued.

He received support from former Pakistan players such as Wasim Akram and many more. After dropping Wade’s catch in what was the last over of the match,  the cameras showed Pakistan veteran Shoaib Malik walking up to him and consoling him.

In reply to Ali’s tweet, his teammate Haris Rauf told his fellow pacer to keep his head up. “You need a wicket you go to Hassan Ali. Keeps your head up,” Rauf tweeted.

As for Australia, they will now face New Zealand in search of their first elusive T20 World Cup title. The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.