T20 World Cup: Hayden hopeful of Pakistan-India final

SYDNEY: Pakistan team’s mentor Matthew Hayden is optimistic about a T20 World Cup final between India and the Men in Green.

While speaking after Pakistan’s win over New Zealand in the semi-final of the tournament on Wednesday, Hayden stated that India-Pakistan match will be a great spectacle.

“I'd like to face India, pretty much because of the spectacle. It's unthinkable,” Hayden said after the match.

He also praised Pakistan’s clinical performance in the seven-wicket win over the Black Caps.

“Fantastic, tonight was very special and a few things came out for us. Everyone will talk about Babar and Rizwan, but that bowling attack did an unbelievable job. Sky is the limit and both of these guys have done it for Pakistan for a number of years and I also want to mention Haris as well. He faces every fast bowler in the nets and smashes them,” he added.

It must be noted that Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam slammed half centuries as Pakistan powered past New Zealand.

They will meet either England or India — who play on Thursday in Adelaide — in the November 13 decider at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Pakistan set the tone at the Sydney Cricket Ground with some razor-sharp fielding and disciplined bowling that restricted New Zealand to just 152-4.

In front of 36,443 strongly pro-Pakistan spectators, Rizwan (57) and Azam (53) took apart the Black Caps´ renowned bowling attack in a 105-run opening stand, and despite a nervous finish after both fell, they completed a deserved victory with five balls to spare.