Hesson Unfazed by Past Defeats, Focuses on Asia Cup Final

Dubai, Sep 26 (PTI) – Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson remains unfazed by comprehensive defeats to India in the Asia Cup, asserting that the upcoming final on Sunday is what truly matters. India triumphed over Pakistan by seven wickets and six wickets in their group league and Super 4s matches, respectively.

"The only match that really counts is the one at the end," Hesson stated, emphasizing the significance of the final. After defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs on Thursday, Pakistan is preparing to face India in an Asia Cup final for the first time in 41 years since the tournament's inception in 1984.

Hesson believes Pakistan "deserved the opportunity" to reach this stage, and he is focused on winning the trophy. "All the games up to this point have been about getting yourself in a position to win the trophy," he said.

After previously avoiding Indian media, Pakistan's media manager Naeem Gillani allowed a question from them on Thursday. Hesson responded to a query about his players, Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf, facing ICC hearings for provocative gestures, by saying, "I deal with the cricket side. There's always a bit of passion in high-pressure games." He emphasized their focus would remain on cricket.

Hesson rejected the notion that his players struggle to read spinners. He addressed perceptions, using Wanindu Hasaranga as an example, noting that success depends on playing the ball off the pitch and positioning the body well, rather than picking the ball from the hand.

Pakistan has struggled with decision-making against spinners, according to Hesson, and challenging pitches have compounded the issue. Each team has found these conditions difficult, especially after the Powerplay.