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SYDNEY: Batting great and current Pakistan mentor Matthew Hayden admitted his side’s T20 World Cup semi-final was “a miracle” but said the element of surprise would make them the team to beat in the last four stage knock.
Pakistan were on the brink of elimination after their opening game defeat to arch-rivals India and subsequent shock one-run loss to Zimbabwe.
But luck smiled on them when the Netherlands beat them South Africa by 13 runs in one of the biggest upsets. Pakistan then beat Bangladesh by five wickets on Sunday to book a semi-final against New Zealand at the SCG on Wednesday.
“It’s just a miracle that we’re seeing unfold here, but even before we got to this day, I felt like we had this confidence in the process … we have the energy, we have the commitment and belief in each other , then the magic just unfolds,” Hayden said in a locker room speech after Sunday’s game.
“It wasn’t smooth. If it wasn’t for the Dutch, we wouldn’t be here. But we’re here and it’s powerful because nobody wants to see us and it’s the element of surprise that gave us the advantage,” he said in a video footage uploaded by the ICC on its Twitter handle.
The previous one Australia opener was the batting coach for Pakistan in the last T20 World Cup in the UAE and was reappointed as mentor for this edition in Australia.
“They (other teams) thought they got rid of us, but now they’re not going to get rid of us. We’re here, dug in and I actually like how we went about this compared to the last World Cup , because the expectations were enormous in the last World Cup. We all blew the face of the planet.
“I think in T20 cricket it’s one of those games that you can replay, rehearse and think about. And when I look at this side and I’ve seen it for a while now, I think we’re such a good reactive team.”
Hayden reminded the players that they could be a real threat to the other three teams that remain in contention.
“Boys, we are dangerous, just understand and appreciate that. The moment Pakistan fire cricket with intent and start to show its teeth, we become a real threat. There will be no one in this world and this competition who can top don’t want to offer us now, not one.
“Boys, move on to the next few days, clear your mind. Be free and be fresh for whatever game we play and just let loose with just good, positive intent. Fearless cricket, almost forgetful cricket.
“Who cares what happened in the last three weeks, we’re here. So, well done. Just a magical day and you’ll have to wipe the smile off my face.”
Pakistan were on the brink of elimination after their opening game defeat to arch-rivals India and subsequent shock one-run loss to Zimbabwe.
But luck smiled on them when the Netherlands beat them South Africa by 13 runs in one of the biggest upsets. Pakistan then beat Bangladesh by five wickets on Sunday to book a semi-final against New Zealand at the SCG on Wednesday.
“It’s just a miracle that we’re seeing unfold here, but even before we got to this day, I felt like we had this confidence in the process … we have the energy, we have the commitment and belief in each other , then the magic just unfolds,” Hayden said in a locker room speech after Sunday’s game.
“It wasn’t smooth. If it wasn’t for the Dutch, we wouldn’t be here. But we’re here and it’s powerful because nobody wants to see us and it’s the element of surprise that gave us the advantage,” he said in a video footage uploaded by the ICC on its Twitter handle.
The previous one Australia opener was the batting coach for Pakistan in the last T20 World Cup in the UAE and was reappointed as mentor for this edition in Australia.
“They (other teams) thought they got rid of us, but now they’re not going to get rid of us. We’re here, dug in and I actually like how we went about this compared to the last World Cup , because the expectations were enormous in the last World Cup. We all blew the face of the planet.
“I think in T20 cricket it’s one of those games that you can replay, rehearse and think about. And when I look at this side and I’ve seen it for a while now, I think we’re such a good reactive team.”
Hayden reminded the players that they could be a real threat to the other three teams that remain in contention.
“Boys, we are dangerous, just understand and appreciate that. The moment Pakistan fire cricket with intent and start to show its teeth, we become a real threat. There will be no one in this world and this competition who can top don’t want to offer us now, not one.
“Boys, move on to the next few days, clear your mind. Be free and be fresh for whatever game we play and just let loose with just good, positive intent. Fearless cricket, almost forgetful cricket.
“Who cares what happened in the last three weeks, we’re here. So, well done. Just a magical day and you’ll have to wipe the smile off my face.”
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