**DUBAI** – Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson has underlined the critical importance of the upcoming Asia Cup final against India, labeling it the “only match that really counts” for his team. This declaration comes as Pakistan prepares to face their arch-rivals in a highly anticipated showdown this Sunday, following a challenging tournament where Hesson’s credentials were questioned after two significant losses to India.
Having secured their spot in the final with an 11-run victory over Bangladesh in their last Super Four fixture, Hesson believes his side has earned the opportunity. “We’ve deserved this opportunity, and now it’s up to us to make the most of it,” Hesson told reporters on Thursday night. “All the games before this were about getting into a position to win the trophy. We know that the only match that really counts is the final, and that’s our focus, to play our best game when it matters.”
Pakistan’s journey to the final has been mixed. After winning a tri-nation series leading into the Asia Cup, they comfortably defeated Oman and hosts United Arab Emirates. However, sandwiched between these wins was a seven-wicket loss to India in the group stage, followed by another six-wicket defeat to Suryakumar Yadav’s side in the Super Four stage. Despite these setbacks, Pakistan rebounded to edge out Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, setting up what will be the first-ever Asia Cup final between these neighbouring nations in the tournament’s 41-year history.
Hesson drew valuable lessons from the previous encounters with India. “The way we played against India in the last match was a huge step up from the first game,” he noted. “In the first one, we were a bit passive and allowed India to control the game. But in the last match, we had the game by the scruff of the neck for long periods, and it took an exceptional innings from Abhishek Sharma to take it away from us.” The coach identified areas for improvement, particularly concerning their bowling in the power play and the need to sustain pressure for longer periods against the world’s top-ranked side.
Addressing concerns about their batting performance, especially after struggling to reach 135-8 against Bangladesh from a precarious 46-4, Hesson admitted that his team had yet to play a “perfect game.” He acknowledged the challenge posed by varying pitch conditions and aggressive play, but praised the team’s character. “The fact we can win games from that position just shows the character in the group,” he observed. “These are lessons, and as pitches tire, discipline becomes even more important.”
Ultimately, Hesson emphasized the psychological aspect of the final. “We’ve been talking about focusing on the present and not getting ahead of ourselves,” he said, highlighting the team’s confidence built from recent successes, including the tri-series victory and beating opponents they had previously struggled against. “Wins like today – when everyone writes you off 10 overs in – only build that confidence further.”
