World Cup T20: Shaheen’s ball was the best to take Rahul’s wicket – Hayden

Pakistan’s hitting consultant Matthew Hayden believes that a 10-wicket victory in the opener against arch-rival India laid the foundation for his team’s strong performance in the current World Cup. He cited the players’ commitment to training and spirituality as the reason for not losing any matches in the tournament thus far.

Pakistan have won all five group stage matches and are considered to be a strong contender for the title. The team will face Australia in the semi-finals here on Thursday. Hayden, who was appointed Pakistan’s hitting advisor for this tournament, praised Captain Babar Azam for showing his spirit and control under extreme pressure.

“The highlight of this campaign was the first match against India in Dubai, where we will play tomorrow night. It can only be compared to the Ashes series. Playing such an important match,” Hayden told reporters at a previous press conference. to the match. The attitude and confidence of these players was fantastic. “

“I think that match laid the foundation for four weeks of solid work, commitment to training. Also a sincere relationship with Islam and how spirituality helped guide and unite everyone within the Pakistan team,” he said.

Strategically, Hayden will face a challenge Thursday from his former starting teammate Justin Langer, who is Australia’s head coach. Hayden believes that Pakistan will benefit from his understanding of Australian players and cricket culture.

“It is a very unusual feeling. I have been a warrior in Australian cricket for over two decades, so it gives me a good understanding of not only these players, but also the culture of cricket in Australia,” he said.

Hayden believes that the T20 World Cup title will be very important to Pakistan, which has long been denied the venue of international cricket for security reasons. “Yes, this is a very important tournament for Pakistan. We have a team of players here who are ready to perform and not only in the semi-finals, but inshallah, we will go beyond that, we will reach the final,” he said. said.

Hayden praised Babar and said his personality is in stark contrast to Virat Kohli of India, who is the great contemporary player. He said: “Babar and his personality is such that you will get what you see. There is consistency in it. It is quite stable. I would go so far as to say that his personality is completely opposite to that of a player like Virat Kohli who himself is very passionate. He is expressive and very passionate on the field. “

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Hayden also praised pacemaker Shaheen Shah Afridi, calling his firing from KL Rahul one of the best lands he’s seen. He said: “His ball can demolish opponents as we saw in his delivery to Lokesh Rahul, one of the best deliveries I have ever seen.”