“I am confident that this group of young men can lift the World Cup,” says Mathew Hayden
Despite the World Cup setback, Pakistan cricket team manager Matthew Hayden was proud of his squad for the fight they put up against England in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday at the MCG.
Top performances from Sam Curran and Ben Stokes propelled England to their second ICC T20 World Cup championship since 2010, defeating Pakistan by five wickets in a nail-biting low-scoring finale on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
In the match, Pakistan was reduced to 137/8 in 20 overs after England sent them in to bat first. Shan Masood (38) and captain Babar Azam (32) scored the majority of his team’s runs. In the finals, England’s top bowler was Sam Curran (3/12). Adil Rashid (2/22) and Chris Jordan (2/27) both took important wickets. Ben Stokes just took one wicket.
Matthew Hayden is proud of the team's effort and performance in the tournament.#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/X3cbfEqtPL
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 13, 2022
England was dropped to 45/3 in 5.3 overs while chasing 138. However, a 48-run partnership between Ben Stokes (52* off 49) and Moeen Ali (19 off 13) tilted the game in England’s favour, and they won their second championship, their first since 2010.
“Take it back a month ago, you all shared a meal at my house and I said I was confident that we can lift the World Cup. No that hasn’t changed. Nothing has changed. I am confident that this group of young men can lift the World Cup,” said Hayden in a video uploaded on twitter.
“And I am confident that with some clarity on how to move forward from this tournament, how to celebrate some good performances and how to also acknowledge some of the weaknesses we have had in the last one month, that come the World Cup in India, again we’ll be celebrating getting somewhere near the World Cup,” he explained.
We greatly appreciate the support of fans throughout our #T20WorldCup campaign. pic.twitter.com/hEPMTdesUP
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 13, 2022
Hayden expressed his pride at the team’s fight throughout the competition, despite losing their first two matches against India and Zimbabwe before a miraculous recovery to reach the final.
“It’s amazing to think how far we have come in this tournament and I know you got to be hurting. It does hurt but the reality is that we are so close. Guys, I am really proud of you. I think you have done a wonderful job. Thank you for sharing your inner sanctum with me,” he said.
“I hope each one of you boys feel proud of the achievements of this playing group. I just want to say thank you for sharing your dressing room, sharing your hearts, your mind, your spirit and also putting in your absolute 100% into this campaign. On behalf of the support staff, we just feel so honoured and privileged to be a part of that story,” Pakistan cricket team mentor Matthew Hayden added.
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 13, 2022
Hayden concluded by thanking the players who were part of the squad but didn’t get many chances to play in the starting eleven. “It’s amazing that these boys haven’t had the opportunity like the rest of you have but every game, they turned up. Every game, they tried their best in the nets. Bowling, throwing and I think that deserves a round of applause.”
