Newshub18:Shadab takes responsibility for Pakistan’s loss without two catches.
Chasing Sri Lanka’s 170 runs in the Asia Cup final, Pakistan stopped at 147 runs. A total of three Pakistani batsmen have scored double-digit home runs. The six who bowled before him, except Mohammad Nawaz who bowled 1 over, all gave more than 7 runs per over.Batting, bowling on a stage like the Asia Cup final – even if Pakistan can’t do well in both categories, one person is taking responsibility – Shadab Khan!
Batting first, Sri Lanka built a challenging collection of 170 runs, its master craftsman Bhanuka Rajapakse. After 5 wickets fell for 58 runs, Rajapakse made two pairs of fifty runs with Wanindu Hasaranga in the sixth wicket and Chamika Karunaratne in the seventh wicket.He played an unbeaten innings of 71 runs off 45 balls, which included 6 fours and 3 sixes, en route to the partnership that brought the team a big collection. In the end, the 30-year-old batsman also won the final-best award.
Pakistan had the opportunity to dismiss Rajapakse, who was the hero of Sri Lanka’s victory, twice. The first time when his run was 46. Rajapakse lifted the ball in the sky while hitting Haris Rauf’s slower one. Shadab Khan could not go under the ball properly even after running from long on, he ran a little too much. Dropped Rajapaksa’s catch. Shadab is considered as one of the best fielders in Pakistan. He is the one who released Rajapaksa’s catch after a while. The over was by Mohammad Hasnain. Rajapaksa’s run was 51. Rajapakse killed him. Asif Ali rushed in from long on, Shadab to the right from deep midwicket. The catch belonged to Asif, but Shadab came running and collided with Asif. Shadab’s head was hit by Asif’s hand. The ball hits Asif’s hands and goes outside the boundary. What was a catch, became a six.
After the loss in the final, Shadab is burning with remorse for missing these two catches.