Shadab extends apology to fans, takes responsibility for Asia Cup final loss

DUBAI: Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan took the blame upon himself for the team’s defeat in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka on Sunday and extended apologies to the fans as he dropped two crucial catches in the match. 

Taking to Twitter, the 23-year-old spinner regretted the chances that he missed during the final as he dropped Bhanuka Rajapksa twice, who then led the way for Sri Lanka with a magnificent knock of 71 runs.

“Catches win matches. Sorry, I take responsibility for this loss. I let my team down,” he wrote.

“Positives for team, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz and the entire bowling attack was great. Mohammad Rizwan fought hard. The entire team tried their best. Congratulations to Sri Lanka,” his tweet added.

The national side lagged on many fronts as Sri Lanka defied the toss factor and set a respectable 171-run target after being down to 58/5 in the 9th over.

Pakistan’s batting line-up failed completely and could only manage to score 147 before being bowled out on the final delivery, thus handing Sri Lanka a resounding 23 runs victory in the final.

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