Matthew Hayden out to frustrate Australia’s bid for maiden T20 world title

Pakistan batting consultant Matthew Hayden will take his place in the dugout for their semi-final against Australia tomorrow, but he isn’t just vying to help to them to a third T20 World Cup final.
Hayden will come up against his home country, for whom he was top-scorer in the 2007 T20 World Cup, and will also face his former opening partner Justin Langer, now Australia’s head coach.
For the former opening batsman, the prospect of facing his home country has a surreal air.
He admits that he has mixed feelings about the prospect of Pakistan undoing Australia’s bid for a first T20 World Cup.
“It is a very unusual feeling; I was a warrior for Australian cricket for 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,” Hayden said.
“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.
“We have some incredible young players, a mix of wonderful, experienced players in our lineup, and they and the team are performing admirably.”
Matthew Hayden backs Fakhar Zaman
Pakistan have had lots of star players as they emerged from Group 2 of the Super 12s unbeaten, and Hayden believes Fakhar Zaman could be the next to make a big impact.
Hayden said: “Fakhar has I think, been the standout outfielder for our team, as well. He saves five to 10 runs every game, and five to 10 runs within a T20 concept and batting lineup, include your own runs, maybe 20s and 30s, here and there, which means that overall he’s just been such an important part of the side.
Aaron Finch: Everyone wrote us off but we’re ‘still alive’
“Don’t be surprised if you see something incredibly special from him tomorrow, as well, because he is smashing the ball in the nets.
“In particular, if you look at a potential matchup against Adam Zampa, who’s been the leading wicket taker in the T20 World Cup, I think that is a fantastic target, an opportunity for Fakhar to really dominate and position Pakistan in a strong competitive state.”
Latest
-
News
Olly Stone hopes to play a role in an England pace trio during this year’s Ashes
Stone hopes to play a role this summer along with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
-
News
Olly Stone ready for whatever role is required to make England World Cup squad
‘Any way in the England team, I’ll snap someone’s hand off,’ said Stone.
-
Women's Cricket
Dane van Niekerk ‘absolutely broken’ to miss World Cup over fitness standards
The South Africa captain was unable to complete a two-kilometre run in the minimum required time.
-
England
Run of defeats has not damaged England’s confidence, insists Moeen Ali
The all-rounder is confident England will be in good shape for the defence of their World Cup crown.
-
County Cricket
Lancashire sign New Zealand pair Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme
The all-rounders will be available to play in the LV= Insurance County Championship and Vitality T20 Blast throughout the season.
-
England
Jos Buttler admits he needs to find his rhythm as England lose to South Africa
The hosts won the second ODI by five wickets to clinch the series in Bloemfontein.
-
South Africa
Temba Bavuma hits hundred as South Africa secure ODI series win over England
The Proteas chased down 343 at Bloemfontein to go 2-0 up in the three-match series.
-
England
Jos Buttler and Harry Brook give England hope of levelling ODI series
England reached 342 for seven against South Africa, with Buttler making 94 and Brook 80.
-
England
Jason Roy was never ready to ‘roll over’ despite year of setbacks and low points
Roy has for so long been England’s pacesetter at the top of the order but lost his place in the side.
-
England
England batter Jason Roy emotional after return to form in South Africa defeat
Roy’s slump with the bat led to him being dropped ahead of England’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign last year.