Pakistan brought their A game to the fore when it mattered the most and outmuscled New Zealand by seven wickets on Wednesday to storm into the T20 World Cup final.
The Men in Green first bundled New Zealand to 152/4 and then overhauled the target without toiling hard as they rode on skipper Babar Azam & his deputy Mohammad Rizwan's magnificent fifties to staple their final spot after 13 years.
This will be Pakistan's third appearance in the T20 World Cup final. They had finished runners-up to India in the inaugural edition in 2007 before claiming the title two years later.
Meanwhile, Pakistan team mentor Matthew Hayden said that he wants to play the World Cup final against India purely for the sake of 'big spectacle'.
An India-Pakistan clash generates much interest, mostly to the level of obsession, which was evident in the Group stage when Virat Kohli earned plaudits for orchestrating his team's much talked-about victory under pressure.
"I would like to play India in the final purely because of the big spectacle," he said when asked which opponent he will choose for the final.
Pakistan were on the verge of an early exit after defeats against India and Zimbabwe but luck smiled on them when Netherlands knocked South Africa out of the tournament to open up an opportunity for Paksitan.
Babar Azam's side then beat Bangladesh to qualify for the semifinal.
It will be Pakistan's third appearance in the T20 World Cup final. They had finished runners-up to India in the inaugural edition in 2007 and claimed the title two years later.
The former Australian opener sounded a warning to their next rivals, saying his bowling attack is yet to produce its best.
"Tonight was very special. That fast bowling attack you saw did an unbelievable job. I don't think we have seen our best yet, which is probably the scarier part for whoever faces us (in the final)," Hayden said.
He also felt that playing at the MCG would suit his batters.
"Could be a truer surface and nicer batting track in Melbourne. Sky is the limit. You can never beat down class. Both these guys (Babar, Rizwan) have done it for a number of years. (Mohammad) Haris has smashed every bowler in the nets.
"The bowlers had to adapt to this pitch and bowl slower balls and they did so well. Haris Rauf is bowling consistent 150s.
"If Pakistan on their day turn up, they are unstoppable. Shadab is a great fighter. To win any tournament you got to fight," he further added.
