Pakistan captain Babar Azam offered words of support to teammate Hasan Ali whose costly mistake allowed Matthew Wade to secure Australia’s thrilling victory in Thursday’s World Cup semis.

Having conceded 44 runs in four wicketless overs, Hasan had more disappointment to face in the dramatic closing stages of the match in Dubai.

Needing 22 runs off the last over, Wade’s wild swing at Shaheen Afridi’s third ball sent a skier towards Hasan who spilled the catch on the leg-side. Wade responded by hitting three sixes in a row to complete an excellent chase against the tournament’s in-form side.

“If the catch was taken then the scenario would have been different but it is part of the game,” Babar told reporters. “He is one of my main bowlers and he has won many matches for Pakistan. Players drop catches but he is a fighter and I will back him.

“Everybody doesn’t perform every day. There is a day when one performs. It was just not his day. He is down and we will lift his mood.”