Babar Azam backs Hasan Ali despite below-par performances, latter thanks skipper

Senior Pakistan pace bowler Hasan Ali has been in the news ever since he has lost his sublime form with the ball and still being in the playing XI. He failed to do well in the recently concluded Australia series across formats.

The 27-year old right-arm fast missed the first Test owing to injury and returned to the side for the final two Tests. However, he claimed only two wickets which came at an average of 96, while in the first ODI, he gave away runs at an economy of seven. Notably, he was dropped from the team for the final two ODIs that Pakistan won.

Meanwhile, captain Babar Azam included him over Shahnawaz Dahani in the final playing XI for the only T20I. Still, his performance was unimpressive again, conceding 30 runs in the three overs.

Later, in a tweet, while thanking Australia for their historic tour of Pakistan, Hasan Ali also admitted that his performance was below par. He also thanked captain Babar Azam and well-wishers for their immense support.

"Thankyou Team Australia 🇦🇺 for visiting Pakistan," Hasan tweeted.

"Also, I am well aware that my recent performance has been below par. Here, I would like to thank my captain #BabarAzam & all the fans for supporting & believing in me I will come back stronger inshAllah," he further added.

However, Australia won the One-off T20I by three wickets. For Pakistan, Babar Azam scored a quickfire 66, whereas, Nathan Ellis picked up 4 for 28. While chasing Aaron Finch smashed 55, a quickfire cameo from Marcus Stoinis in the middle helped them.

After the only T20I, Babar Azam stated, "The way we started was good, but the back to back wickets cost us, and we were 20 runs short. We have less matches before the World Cup, but Nawaz and Ashraf were unfit, but Qadir took his chance and did well. 

"I'm happy with the white-ball team, and we will look to improve going forward. I want to thank the Australian team for coming on this tour. Hope they enjoyed themselves," the Pakistan captain concluded.