PAK vs NZ: "They Thought That They Got Rid Of Us"- Matthew Hayden Feels No Team Would Want To Face Pakistan Right Now

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh to secure a position in the T20 World Cup’s final four. After South Africa lost their final group match to the Netherlands, the Men in Green, who were on the verge of the first-round exit, found themselves back in the race.

As a result, Pakistan and Bangladesh were once again in the running! After that, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh to eliminate them. 

The Men in Green, who were criticized for their dismal tournament performance after losing their early matches against India and Zimbabwe, must have found motivation in this. 

Pakistan Becoming A Real Threat: Matthew Hayden

“If not for Dutch, perhaps, well not perhaps, we’re not here. Now we’re here and it’s powerful because no one wants to see us here and that’s the element of surprise that we have got the advantage of,” Matthew Hayden, the batting coach, is heard speaking in the locker room. 

“There was that kind of thinking that potentially it was going to be a different result but the moment that Pakistan cricket fires off with intent and starts to reveal its teeth, they become a real threat.

There will be no one in this world, in this competition that would want to face us right now, not one. They thought that they got rid of us. Now, they’re not going to get rid of us,” Hayden said. 

Babar Azam Encourages Team-mates After Beating Bangladesh

Earlier, after his team defeated Bangladesh by five wickets, captain Babar Azam encouraged his team. 

“We had belief. We got some light and we played to ensure we got into semis today. We were excited and nervous but it did not affect our performance. Whatever happens, we have to give 100% effort.

The type of performance we have put in the last 2 games, we have to continue that form only. Whatever is the task in hand of a particular person, he should finish it,” Babar said in a video shared by Pakistan Cricket’s Twitter handle. 

After receiving a new lease of life from the Netherlands, who shocked South Africa here on Sunday, Pakistan defied all expectations to make a spectacular entry into the T20 World Cup semifinals with a brilliant five-wicket victory over Bangladesh. 

After losing to India and Zimbabwe in the Super 12 stage, Pakistan was in danger of being eliminated early from the competition. However, Pakistan received a lifeline when the Netherlands upset South Africa by 13 runs at the same site earlier in the day. 

Also Read:Pakistan Cricket Team Qualify For T20 World Cup Semi Final, Joins India From Group 2