Dubai: Despite a daunting record of seven straight defeats, Pakistan’s cricket team is refusing to dwell on past results as they gear up for Sunday’s highly anticipated Asia Cup final against India. Head coach Mike Hesson exudes unwavering confidence, believing his squad possesses all the necessary strengths to reverse their fortunes and clinch the championship.
Pakistan secured their spot in the final with a nail-biting 11-run victory over Bangladesh on Thursday. The match, which initially seemed lost with Pakistan struggling at 49/5 after 11 overs, saw Bangladesh squander their advantage through dropped catches and erratic play, handing Pakistan a crucial lifeline.
In a post-match interview, a composed Hesson highlighted the team’s commitment to staying focused on the present, even as he acknowledged their long-standing aspiration to reach this pinnacle. “We’ve always envisioned ourselves in this final at the tournament’s conclusion, and our journey here is a testament to the excellent cricket we’ve played,” he stated.
The team’s belief has been significantly bolstered by recent triumphs, including a victory over Sri Lanka—a team they hadn’t defeated since 2017—and a successful tri-series campaign. Hesson pinpointed a pivotal moment in their campaign: “When everyone had written us off just ten overs into a match, and we fought back to win, that really built immense confidence within the group.”
Off the field, Pakistan has faced scrutiny, particularly after the previous encounter with India, which was marked by a handshake controversy and debates surrounding on-field conduct. Hesson’s directive to his players is unequivocal: “While high-pressure games naturally bring out intense emotions, our primary focus must remain on delivering a stellar performance.”
Historically, Pakistan has struggled against India in recent international matches, having lost all seven of their latest encounters (four T20Is and three ODIs). However, Hesson firmly dismissed any notion of a mental block. “In our first game, we were too passive, allowing India to dictate terms. In the most recent match, we had them firmly under control,” he explained.
Even with India’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma delivering game-changing performances, Hesson is convinced Pakistan can challenge by maintaining relentless pressure throughout all phases of the game. “We must be capable enough to keep India under pressure for extended periods,” he emphasized, underscoring that consistent execution, particularly during the powerplay, will be vital against the world’s top-ranked side.
On the cusp of this historic final, the first between these two rivals in 41 years, Hesson’s message to his players is a potent blend of focus and opportunity. “We’ve earned this chance, and now it’s our moment to seize it fully,” he declared. Reinforcing the importance of peaking at the optimal time, he concluded, “All the games leading up to this point were about positioning ourselves to win the trophy. The only match that truly matters is this final one.”