Matthew Hayden believes Babar Azam will score in the T20 World Cup semifinals.

Pakistan coach Matthew Hayden speaks at a press conference ahead of Pakistan's first ICC men's Twenty20 World Cup 2022 semifinal match against New Zealand on Tuesday at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). — AFP

Matthew Hayden says Babar Azam will do "something spectacular" in Wednesday's Twenty20 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.

The 2009 winners could only advance to the knockout stages as the Netherlands upset South Africa and Pakistan defeated Bangladesh to secure their second consecutive last-four berth.

Former Australia opener Hayden, Pakistan's batting coach during the last World Cup and now team mentor, said the team is determined to make the most of their second chance.

"When the Netherlands beat South Africa, it was a major occasion for us, a very crucial moment for the team in general in terms of reaching its potential," he stated on the eve of the Sydney semifinal.

"There were many prayers as Pakistan awoke to witness that result, 232 million people can't be incorrect, and as a result, I feel there has been a significant lifting in tempo in our group."

"It's been a roller-coaster ride [...] but I truly believe we have yet to play our best game, which poses a significant threat to opponents."

While Pakistan's bowling, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, has improved, their batting has been brittle, which will be a concern against a top-class New Zealand attack led by Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Lockie Ferguson.

Azam's form, in particular, is concerning, with the opener scoring only 39 runs in five matches.

Hayden, a destructive opener who played 103 Tests and 161 ODIs, predicted that the skipper would be treated to some "fireworks" on Wednesday.

"There's no doubt Babar has faced difficulty, but it will only make him a better player," he remarked.

"We know from the weather that when there's a lull, a storm follows, so keep an eye on the world because I think Babar is ready to do something extraordinary."

New Zealand has long been a force in white-ball cricket but has yet to win a world crown, including a narrow defeat to Australia in 2021.

Play wisely.

They began their season this year with an 89-run victory over the defending champions in Sydney, and Hayden acknowledged Pakistan was scared of the Black Caps.

"Against Australia, they scored 200" "New Zealand has some devastating batsmen," he remarked.

"They also have a fantastic, well-balanced bowling attack."

"Like New Zealand sport in general, they really punch above their weight; they believe they can and should win this event."

"There are definitely a lot of threats to our camp."

Kane Williamson, New Zealand's captain, downplayed the significance of his team's 200-3 on the Sydney wicket, noting that they only scored 167-7 against Sri Lanka when they returned to the stadium later in the competition.

"The wicket was quite nice the first time we played here, and then it changed the second time," he explained.

"We'll just focus on our cricket and the strategies we're aiming to implement, making sure we adjust to the conditions and attempt to play intelligently."

New Zealand followed up its first Sydney success with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka, with a game against Afghanistan called off due to rain. They lost by 20 runs to England before smashing Ireland to the semifinals.

When it came to the knockouts, Williamson felt the outcomes didn't matter.

"Sport in the finals may go either way," he remarked. "Both teams match up well; there are some similar patterns, and we've both been playing good cricket."

"They have a fantastic pace attack," he added.

"They have some highly seasoned players throughout their team, match winners, so they have great strength in their team."

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