T20 World Cup 2024: 'Pakistan are a dangerous team' - Matthew Hayden warns India and other teams ahead of T20 WC

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden believes Pakistan can cause a lot of trouble for other teams in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 if they manage to improve their fielding.

The Men in Green are one of the contenders for the title and will be desperate to go all the way. They came close to winning the T20 World Cup in the last edition but ended up losing the final. Even in 2021, the Babar Azam-led side had made it to the semifinal before suffering a shock loss against eventual winners Australia.

They have named a formidable squad for the upcoming edition as well. Babar Azam will be leading the team in the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup. He was in charge of the team for the last two editions as well. Babar is one of the best batsmen in the world and will be leading his team's charge with the bat. He will have the likes of Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed for company.

Pakistan have a strong bowling lineup as well. Shaheen Afridi will be leading the pace attack that has the likes of Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi and Mohammad Amir. The spin department is also equally strong thanks to the presence of players such as Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan.

Matthew Hayden on Pakistan's chances:

While only time will tell how Pakistan performs in the T20 World Cup, Matthew Hayden believes they have a good squad to do well. The legendary Australian batsman said that Pakistan will be one of the dark horses again before pointing out that they have a strong bowling and batting line up.

At the same time, Matthew Hayden also highlighted Pakistan's struggle in fielding. He concluded by calling Pakistan a dangerous team and one to watch out for in the upcoming World Cup.

"As usual, Pakistan are always dark horses when it comes to the World Cup. Fast bowling stocks are amazing - Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, who wasn't available for selection in the last World Cup, that's a big comeback and of course you have got Mohammad Amir and Haris Rauf. So you've got a major four-pronged pace attack," said Matthew Hayden on Star Sports.

"You've got Shadab Khan through the middle for spinning and also a power hitter and then you've got the big three. You've got the captain Babar Azam. Glad to see him back at the helm, he's natural leader and should be there. Mohammad Rizwan as well that more than likely will partner with him. And Fakhar Zaman who is a dangerous left-hand striker of the ball. 

"Their biggest chink is always going to be their fielding. Their defensive efforts in the field has and in this case hopefully, won't diminish their performances. But they are a solid team, a dangerous team and certainly a team to watch out for in this T20 World Cup," he added.

Pakistan have the likes of @babarazam258 and @iamamirofficial back at the helm and look promising for the upcoming #T20WorldCup 💚@HaydosTweets believes that if Pakistan work on their efforts in the field, they might cause problems to the opposition with a well-rounded team 👀… pic.twitter.com/5qx0143NL9

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 25, 2024

Pakistan squad:

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan