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Shoddy fielding was partially responsible for Pakistan's loss to Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup on Sunday, September 11 in Dubai, and all-rounder Shadab Khan has taken responsibility for their failure. Usually considered among their best fielders, Shadab dropped two crucial catches, with one of it eventually going for a six in the death overs as Sri Lanka went on to win by 23 runs.
In a tweet that the player put out after the match, Shadab said, "Catches win matches. Sorry, I take responsibility for this loss. I let my team down."
Shadab was also hit on the head during Pakistan's fielding innings when he slipped while trying to stop an overthrow. The Pakistan physio was called on as Shadab was hit by the ball on the side of his head. The all-rounder seemed okay following the mandatory check for concussion and went on to bowl his full quota of overs.
In the same tweet, the 23-year-old heaped praise on young bowler Naseem Shah, as well as Haris Rauf and Mohammad Nawaz for their contributions in the recently concluded tournament. Shadab also highlighted the highest run-getter of the tournament, Mohammad Rizwan's valiant effort.
"Positives for team — Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Nawaz and the entire bowling attack was great. Mohammad Rizwan fought hard. The entire team tried their best. Congratulations to Sri Lanka," he added.
With the match going in Pakistan's favour initially, Shadab, who took one wicket as well, dropped a crucial catch of Bhanuka Rajapaksa at long-on. Shadab misjudged the trajectory of Rajapaksa's shot and could not hold on to the catch. He then collided with Asif Ali, which resulted in the dropping of a catch in the 19th over being bowled by Mohammad Hasnain ball, Rajapaksa swiped across and Shadab, who was at deep midwicket, ran to his right while Asif at long on ran to his left.
Shadab's head crashed into Asif's elbow before the ball popped out of Asif's hand and went over the rope. Sri Lanka went onto post 170/6, with Rajapaksa scoring 71 not out off 45 balls. In reply, Pakistan collapsed and folded for 147 runs.
