Pakistani players were completely devastated after semifinal loss against Australia: Matthew Hayden

Pakistan’s sensational run in the T20 World Cup 2021 came to an end with a thrilling five-wicket defeat against Australia in the semi-final. It was a thrilling match as the Men in Green looked in command for the best park. Their victory even looked inevitable. However, some late impetus from Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis took Aussies home in the penultimate over.

Notably, the Men in Green were unbeaten in the tournament before the knock-out clash and were even deemed favourites to get the glory. Hence, the ouster would have definitely left the players disappointed. The same was confirmed by Pakistan’s batting consultant Matthew Hayden. The former Australian openers revealed that Pakistan players were “completely devastated” after the loss.

Your heart is broken that’s what really you saw in the dressing room: Matthew Hayden

“The scenes in dressing room, it didn’t shock me when you do play with your heart. Just how heart gets broken when you go into a match with expectations and it doesn’t come off due to a number of different reasons,” Hayden said in conversation with Pakistan’s bowling coach Vernon Philander.

“Your heart is broken that’s what really you saw in the dressing room, just scenes of complete devastation,” he added. The video of the conversation was uploaded by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Twitter. Hayden, who was appointed for the duration of the T20 showpiece, lauded Pakistan team’s approach during their historic 10-wicket triumph against arch-rivals India.

Matthew Hayden and Vernon Philander in conversation on Pakistan cricket’s present and future.

Watch full video 👉 https://t.co/cAcbzDhNuG #T20WorldCup | #HarHaalMainCricket pic.twitter.com/iLzLF87s8C

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 12, 2021

“Going right back to the first match against India, from an outsider’s perspective, looking at that change room the scene was entirely different, very calm, very relaxed and very balanced approach. It was such a huge match,” said the former prolific Australia opener. Meanwhile, Philander asserted that Pakistan players couldn’t hold their nerves in the semi-final and subsequently got knocked out.

“If we are brutally honest to ourselves, I think the moment got to us a little bit. Probably a little bit of panic set in, especially in fielding. It’s one area that we highlighted, it could harm us. And It cost us a little bit in semifinal. The calmness factor was probably missing in the semifinals,” the former South African pacer pointed out.