'It's a very emotional campaign' Hayden on Pakistan's T20 World Cup journey

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL

Pakistan team mentor has described the T20 World Cup as an opportunity for the Pakistan cricket team to reawaken the nation through their performances.

Speaking to the media after the team's practice session at Melbourne Cricket Ground, former Australian cricketer stated that the T20 World Cup final on Sunday between Pakistan and England would be a contest between quality bowling and quality batting.

ALSO READ: Ramiz Raja takes a dig at India’s exit from the T20 World Cup

“It's a very emotional campaign,” he said about Pakistan.

“When it comes to these huge tournaments, we know what it means. It means the opportunity to lift the World Cup; it means the opportunity to set nations alight and alive again, reinvigorate a nation through its national team's performance,” he said.

Hayden also emphasised the team's spirit and how players treat one another on and off the field.

“A beautiful metaphor for this team that, at its heart, has got raw talent mixed with the passion of a nation that loves the game,” he said.

“The highs have been excellent in this tournament for Pakistan. I think there have been some key performances...for me, the other day was off the field when Babar was throwing in warm-up balls to Rizwan; that's very reflective of a culture that's working, hoping and building that commonality. I think that's a beautiful moment,” he said.

In response to Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja's conversation with the players at the net sessions ahead of the T20 World Cup final, Hayden stated that the former opener was reliving some memories of the 1992 World Cup and that a lot of current players will have similar opportunities in their lives.

“It'll be an important chapter of Pakistan cricket as the 92 campaign was the emergence of another superpower. One of the most influential cricketers of all time, Imran Khan, is doing great things; celebrating democracy is an important part of life, and he's doing that like a champion,” the team mentor said.

Hayden stated that there has been a lot of positive energy mixed with some criticism that he believes is appropriate for an international side.

“I think you can't come to a tournament like this and expect to have it your entire way. Our last campaign was very smooth in the T20 World Cup, we won every game convincingly, clinical like we saw our semifinal performance, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything until you strike the big game. So here we are in the big game. We've taken on board the criticisms, and we've enjoyed both successes and failures. And I think we're ready to play,” he said.

He also praised Pakistan's opening pair, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, saying their performance reflected their on-field chemistry and revealed a lot about their off-field chemistry.

“Both are outstanding leaders. Both men are highly geared towards nationalistic pride and their commitment to Islam; they've got each other's backs, two are always better than one, and that's why great partnerships are recognised. That's why you'll see every player stand up with a 50 or 100-run partnership because it matters.”

“These are key factors for Rizzi and Babar. And that it's generational and cricket as well. You know, who will ever forget that? Hey, it isn't great; it's a partnership, you know, something which I was, and Justin, we're always like chasing that partnership. Never got there. But what's in our heads was important,” he said.

The former Australian cricketer predicted that the final between Pakistan and England on Sunday would be a battle of quality fast bowling versus quality batting.

“We've got four quicks that can impact and create sustainable damage inside 20 overs. One thing that I think India was missing last night also in the spin bowling department was a leg-spinning option, a sixth bowling option. 

"Pakistan side has six genuine options that are seventh as well, should Ifti be required. I think the bases are covered. I think both sides have equal setups when you look at the England setup. They've got six bowling options and the handy options of having batting all-rounders as well,” he said.