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SYDNEY: Pakistan team’s mentor Matthew Hayden has backed underfiring opening duo Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan ahead of their T20 World Cup semi-final clash against New Zealand on Tuesday.
Matthew Hayden said Pakistan’s best is yet to come and struggling skipper Babar Azam is due something “very special” in their Twenty20 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on Wednesday. He said they both they planned to make the most of their second chance.
Also read: Black Caps should be worried facing confident Pakistan in semis
He said “when the Netherlands beat South Africa it was a significant moment for us, a very significant moment for the team in general around reaching its potential.” Hayden said “lots of prayers as Pakistan woke up to see that result, 232 million people can’t be wrong, and as a result of that I feel there has been very much an uplift in tempo in our group.” He further said “it has been a roller-coaster… but I really believe we have yet to play our best game, which is a huge threat to oppositions.”
Hayden’s words came after spectators appeared disappointed to see Azam and Rizwan not having great time in Australia this year, with the Pakistan captain having just 39 runs from five outings in the tournament at an average of 7.8.
Also read: Everyone would love to see Pakistan and India in the final: Shane Watson
Rizwan, on the other hand, scored 103 runs in the T20 World Cup 2022, but that is considered by many to be below par compared to the lofty standards set by him over the past few years.
Matthew Hayden said “there’s no question Babar has been under some adversity but that will only make him an even greater player.”
“We know with the weather that when there’s a lull, there’s often a storm that follows, so look out rest of the world because I think we’re about to see something very special from Babar,” he added.
Also read: New Zealand won’t underestimate Pakistan, says Tim Southee
