T20 World Cup 2021: The Win Against India Set Us Up For What Followed - Matthew Hayden

Pakistan batting consultant Matthew Hayden reckoned that the team gathered a lot of momentum from their crushing 10-wicket victory over arch-rivals India in their first tournament game.

Having failed to beat India in World Cups before, Pakistan had a chip on their shoulder, but they outplayed their rivals in all three departments on the night. This helped to boost their confidence massively, as elaborated by Hayden.

“The highlight… the first game that we played here at Dubai, where we’re playing tomorrow night, against India, and just how under immense pressure… only comparable to the Ashes series, just how these boys wonderfully handled very calmly and very confidently their approach to playing such a huge match.”

“I think that game really set us up for what has been a really lovely four weeks of solid work, great commitment to training, great purpose in general. Also, a wonderful heart connect to Islam and spirituality has played its role within the Pakistan team as a great guide and tool for everyone to come together,” Hayden told reporters in the pre-match press conference.

Been wonderful to be a part of Pakistan cricket – Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden added that he was happy to be with the Pakistan team, which has a lot of potential to grow. The Aussie also mentioned that it’s a strange feeling to be up against his own country but mentioned that the insights he has on the Australian culture could come in handy during the game.

“It is a very unusual feeling. As you all know, I was a warrior for Australian cricket over two decades, so that does give me the benefit of having wonderful insights not only into these players but also into the culture of cricket in Australia.“

“I guess from my point of view, there is the challenge of the heart, the challenge of the mind in terms of what’s going to happen over the next 24 hours, but I’ll also say very proudly that it’s been wonderful to be a part of Pakistan cricket,” Hayden added.

Babar Azam and co. will be against the Australian team in tonight’s semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

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