T20 World Cup 2022: I am still confident that this group of young men can lift the World Cup – Matthew Hayden

Pakistan’s batting consultant Matthew Hayden is confident that the young Pakistan team can lift the World Cup in 2023. The Men in Green came close as they finished as the runners-up after they were beaten by England by five wickets at the MCG on Sunday.

Pakistan showed great fight and character to bounce back after losing their first two matches against India and Zimbabwe. The Babar Azam-led team was also lucky as the Netherlands stunned South Africa and they were able to make the most of it by beating Bangladesh in the virtual quarterfinal.

Pakistan was able to peak at the right time as they won against South Africa, and Bangladesh and then defeated New Zealand in the semifinal contest by seven wickets. However, they could not cross the final hurdle against England on Sunday. But the Pakistan fast bowlers showed the stomach for the fight as they made England work hard for their runs.

Pakistan could be proud of their exemplary performance after they had their backs against the wall in the early stage of the tournament.

Matthew Hayden said while talking to PCB, “I just want to say on behalf of the support staff that we feel very privileged and honored to be a part of that story. Take it back to a month ago, when you all shared a meal at my house. I said that I was confident that you are going to lift the World Cup.”

“Now that has not changed, nothing’s changed, I am still confident that this group of young men can lift the World Cup.”

He added: “And I am confident that, we have also some clarity on how to move forward from this tournament. How to celebrate some great performances and how to acknowledge some of the weaknesses that we have had in the last month.

“Come the World Cup in India, again, we will be celebrating getting somewhere near the World Cup. It is amazing how far we have come in the tournament.”

Hayden admitted that the players will feel hurt after they could go all the way but he is proud of the group for giving it their all in the tournament.

“I know that you are going to be hurting, I know, it does hurt, but the reality is that we are so close. Such an important part of these last parts has been sharing time together. We have talked as men about what the future looked like and bang bang bang, results happened.

“So, guys, I am really proud of you. Thank you for sharing your inner sanctum with me and I hope that I have been able to share my heart and my story of cricket with you guys as well, and I am always honored.”