Australia and Pakistan will be up against each other in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup on Thursday in Dubai. Matthew Hayden who is currently associated with the coaching staff in the Pakistan side has been an integral member of the Australian team during his playing days.
The former left-handed opening batsman made a special mention of former Australia great Dean Jones, who had coached Islamabad United then Karachi Kings during the first five editions of the Pakistan Super League.
"I want to make special mention here of a former teammate and colleague," Hayden said to Cricket.com.au.
"Dean Jones ... gave a lot of himself to Cricket Australia but also gave a lot of himself to Pakistan Cricket. His closing words to me, I can hear in my ears, were 'these are my boys, this is something I'm so passionate about,” Hayden further added.
Hayden also added that Dean had left a legacy that will last not only this generation but generations to come.
"He was just beautifully connected to Pakistan Cricket. May he rest in peace now, knowing the fact that he has left a legacy within this team which will last not only this generation but generations to come,” he said.
Pakistan have been an undefeated side in the T20 World Cup 2021 so far having won all their group matches which also included the iconic victory against arch-rivals India. This was the first instance when Pakistan had defeated India in a World Cup fixture.