‘Heartbroken’ Shoaib Akhtar pleads fans to back Pakistan after semi-final exit

For about 35 overs in the semi-final, Pakistan had an upper hand over Australia. However, the Babar Azam-led team could not maintain the same pressure during the fag end and lost the match by five wickets. Pakistan were the favorites to win the title after their terrific display in the Super 12 stage, but in end, there was only heartbreak in store for the team. Meanwhile, the loss was not appreciated well by the fans back home.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has come forward to support the team and has appealed the fans to back the team. The cricket expert said there is a lot to learn from the loss. "There is a lot to learn from this game. I am thoroughly disappointed and heartbroken. This World Cup should have been ours," said Shoaib on his YouTube channel.

"It is terrible, my feelings are with you, but we can't be bad losers. We are going to accept this defeat with open arms and broken hearts. We have done well. Pakistan team I am with you, it's ok. I request the whole nation to stay behind the team and support them. They have done wonderfully well. I would've loved to see this World Cup in our soil, but unfortunately, it's out of our hands," said Shoaib.

While several moments changed the complexion of the game, Hasan Ali’s dropped catch of Matthew Wade was one significant moment that turned the match. To rub salt into the wounds of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Wade dispatched three sixes and finished the game. Ali became a villain on social media and started to get a lot of abuse from the fans.

Akhtar though backed Ali and said, "Hasan Ali, bring your confidence back, we have a lot to play with. He messed it up, but it's fine. Maybe that catch would have made a difference," he said.