Matthew Hayden shares his thoughts about out-of-form Babar Azam ahead of 20-20 World Cup semifinal
Babar Azam, Matthew Hayden (Image Credit: Twitter)
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is having a forgettable World Cup with the bat in the ongoing 20-20 World Cup 2022. In the five games he played, he has managed only 39 runs averaging 7.80. In the 2021 edition of the tournament, he was the highest run-getter. The right-hander was having good form with the bat ahead of the ongoing showpiece event. Meanwhile, Pakistan has managed to qualify for the semis without Azam firing.
Ahead of the knockout clash against New Zealand, Pakistan mentor Matthew Hayden has backed the out-of-form Azam. He said that the Lahore player is special and he won’t stay out of form for a long time. The two-time World Cup winner for Australia added that Babar will become a greater player after his current patch.
“…don’t be surprised whatsoever if you don’t see some fireworks because very special players don’t often stay down for long,” Hayden said during the pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s semifinal against New Zealand.
“There’s no question that Babar has been under some adversity. That will make him not only an even greater player…You can’t continue to keep on punching out hundreds and 50s and strike rates of 140-plus.
You will see something special from Babar Azam: Matthew Hayden
The former Australia opening batter added that Babar Azam can do something special in the knockout game against New Zealand. The former urged the fans to embrace themselves for a special inning from the Pakistan skipper.
“There’s got to be moments in time where there’s a lull. And as we all know about the weather, once there’s a lull, there’s often a storm that follows. So look out, rest of the world, because I think you’re about to see something very special from Babar.”
