Watch: Matthew Hayden’s motivational speech ahead of Pakistan’s semifinal game against New Zealand in 20-20 World Cup 2022
Matthew Hayden (Image Credit: Twitter)
After winning three back-to-back games and a stroke of luck, Pakistan has qualified for the semis of the ongoing 20-20 World Cup 2022. They needed either Netherlands or Zimbabwe to win their last games in order to have a real chance to reach the knockouts. Shockingly enough, the Dutch managed to kick-out South Africa from the race and ‘ensured’ Pakistan have a real chance.
After beating Bangladesh, the 2009 winners will now play for a spot in the finals against New Zealand on November 9. Meanwhile, after reaching the semis, Pakistan’s interim mentor, Matthew Hayden had a motivational chat with the players. During the chat, the two-time ODI World Cup winner said that the team can fire in the knockouts and no team would be able to stop them
“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 in a video shared by Pakistan Cricket on Sunday.
On the other hand, Hayden also showed his gratitude for the Dutch side. He said that if the European side didn’t win their game against the Proteas, they wouldn’t have been where they are currently.
“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 advantage of,” Hayden added.
Watch the video here
https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1589306233441222657?s=20&t=fBabeFGREqMXXaJGFIa9IQ
New Zealand vs Pakistan semifinal will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 2021 finalists would be looking to qualify for another final. On the other hand, the former champions, Pakistan will carry huge expectations in the game.
