Clarke asks 'match winner' Warner to play fearlessly, emulate Hayden

Sydney, May 1 (ANI): Australian skipper Michael Clarke has asked opener David Warner to play fearlessly and take a big swing at the ball whenever he likes, regardless of the cost, to pull off a performance equivalent to all-time great Matthew Hayden's.

Warner is Australia's in-form batsman for their opening World Twenty20 clash with Group A rivals Pakistan on Sunday.

Clarke told Warner to take Australia to a winning position as quickly as he can, hopefully inside six overs.

Warner has already scored 72 from 49 balls and 51 off 41 deliveries in Australia's warm-up matches against Zimbabwe and Windward Islands, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Clarke has also challenged Warner to pull off a performance equivalent to all-time great Matthew Hayden, who was the leading run scorer (659 at 73.22) in the 2007 one-day World Cup in the Caribbean where Australia went through undefeated.

"He's the type of guy that sees it and hits it and he's full of confidence. He plays a huge part, like Matty Hayden used to for us. Within six overs, we can have a real firm grip on the game if Davey goes off. He takes a lot of risks and there are times when he doesn't perform," Clarke said.

"He's a huge part of our team and I'm trying to give him the freedom to do exactly what he's done in the last two games. To walk out, see the ball and hit the ball. Not be too concerned if he misses out a couple of times just keep playing his way. He's a match winner," Clarke said.

Clarke said Warner and opening partner Shane Watson can take Australia towards a winning total against a Pakistani attack. (ANI)