Pakistan mentor Mathew Hayden said that facing India in the final after the Babar Azam-led side he is hoping for after Pakistan thrashed New Zealand in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 in Sydney on Wednesday.
While Pakistan have sealed a place in the final, India will have to beat England in the second semi-final in Adelaide on November 10 to reach the final as well.
“Fantastic. Tonight was very special and a few things came out for us. Everyone will talk about Babar and Rizwan, but that bowling attack did an unbelievable job,” Matthew Hayden told broadcasters. “Sky is the limit and both of these guys have done it for Pakistan for a number of years and I also want to mention Haris as well. He faces every fast bowler in the nets and smashes them.”
“On this surface, the bowlers had to adapt and we got Shaheen back up and running. Once it starts to reverse-swing, boy! he’s hard to handle. Haris can bowl 150kph. I’d like to face India, pretty much because of the spectacle. It’s unthinkable,” Matthew Hayden further added.
However, Pakistan lost their first two matches in the Super 12. But, after that, they bounced back from there as well, registering three wins on a trot, and reached the semi-finals.
“We feel like we’re playing at home” – Pakistan skipper Babar Azam
They are in the final having beaten New Zealand comfortably in the semi-final as well. However, Pakistan will play against either India or England in the T20 World Cup final at the MCG in Melbourne on November 13 as well.
However, after the win against New Zealand, Babar Azam said: “We feel like we’re playing at home. Got a good start with the first 6 overs with the ball. Later on the ball didn’t come on well. Fast bowlers finished well. We planned before going that we’ll utilise the powerplay. He’s a young guy and showing his aggression (Haris). He’s playing very well. We’re going to enjoy this moment. But at the same time have focus on the final.”
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