Tri-Series Success Gives Pakistan Big Lift Ahead of Asia Cup, Says Hesson

Pakistan’s coach Mike Hesson feels confident in his team after the tri-series triumph. He believes this Tri-series win is enough to set Pakistan in momentum.

In the UAE Tri-series final, Pakistan played exceptionally and swept aside Afghanistan by 75 runs in Sharjah. Mohammad Nawaz completed a hat-trick and a career-best five-wicket haul.  

“We have beaten Afghanistan in conditions that suited their spin attack, which was a real confidence builder,” Hesson said on Monday. “Heading into the Asia Cup, this was very important for us.”

Since Hesson’s appointment as white-ball coach in May, Pakistan have recorded a 3-0 home sweep of Bangladesh, edged West Indies 2-1 in Florida, and lost just once in five tri-series games. 

Hesson, who guided New Zealand to the 2015 World Cup final, highlighted the competitive nature of the upcoming tournament. “An eight-team Asia Cup is great for Asian cricket. It’s a true test, it expands the game in the region, and allows us to see players we don’t face often.”

Pakistan is in Group A with India, Oman, and the UAE. The biggest clash of the Asia Cup will be on September 14 when India face Pakistan. Hesson stressed focus: “The key is not to get distracted by external pressures.” 

On September 28, the Asia Cup final will take place in Dubai, and the fans are all eager to know which two teams will be in the final.