Pakistan’s batting consultant Matthew Hayden has revealed he would like to play India in the final purely because of the big spectacle. Pakistan booked their ticket for the T20 World Cup finals after beating New Zealand by seven wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.
The Men in Green were able to outplay the Kiwis after Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to bat first. The Blackcaps could only manage 152 runs on the board whereas Pakistan was charged up in the field.
Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled an impressive spell as he scalped two wickets and conceded only 24 runs in his quota of four overs. On the other hand, Daryl Mitchell scored an unbeaten knock of 53 runs for the Kiwis while Williamson scored 46 runs.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s openers Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam got back into form when it mattered the most. The duo added 105 runs for the opening alliance, which is their third 100-run partnership in the T20 World Cup, the most for any pair.
On the other hand, India and Pakistan had earlier faced each other in the Super 12 stage of the ongoing T20I showpiece. India had won by four wickets after Virat Kohli had scored a masterpiece knock of 82 runs off just 53 balls.
Matthew Hayden said after the game, “Tonight was very special. That fast bowling attack you saw did an unbelievable job. I don’t think we have seen our best yet, which is probably the scarier part for whoever faces us (in the final). Could be a truer surface and nicer batting track in Melbourne. Sky is the limit. You can never beat down class. Both these guys (Babar, Rizwan) have done it for a number of years. Haris has smashed every bowler in the nets.”
He added, “The bowlers had to adapt to this pitch and bowl slower balls and they did so well. Haris Rauf is bowling consistent 150s. If Pakistan on their day turn up, they are unstoppable. Shadab is a great fighter. To win any tournament you got to fight. I would like to play India in the final purely because of the big spectacle.”
Pakistan will play the winner of the second semi-final between India and England in the final at the MCG on Sunday.
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