Pakistan’s Coach Issues Strong Warning to India Ahead of Asia Cup Final in Dubai
Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson has called on his players to focus solely on cricket as they prepare for their historic first-ever Asia Cup final against India in Dubai. This comes after a series of tense encounters between the two nations, heightened by recent military conflicts. Pakistan secured their spot in the final by narrowly defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs in the Super Four match. The previous matches between India and Pakistan in this tournament were marred by controversy, with both teams refusing to shake hands after their games.
Focus on Cricket Amid Tensions
Hesson emphasized the importance of concentrating on the game, urging his players to set aside any distractions. The coach acknowledged the passion that comes with high-stakes matches but stressed that the team’s focus should remain on their performance. “My message to the players is just focus on cricket,” Hesson stated. The previous two encounters in the Asia Cup saw India emerge victorious, winning by seven wickets in the Group A match and by six wickets in the Super Four stage. India has maintained a dominant record against Pakistan, winning seven consecutive matches across formats since 2022.
Learning from Past Matches
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Hesson noted that Pakistan has shown improvement since their earlier matches against India. In their first encounter, Pakistan struggled to post a competitive score, managing only 127 runs, which India easily chased down. However, in their second match, Pakistan scored a more respectable 172 runs, although they ultimately fell short due to an exceptional innings from India’s Abhishek Sharma, who scored 74 runs off just 39 balls. Hesson remarked, “The last match we had that game by the scruff of the neck for long periods,” indicating a more aggressive approach from his players.
The Challenge Ahead
As Pakistan gears up for the final, Hesson recognizes the challenge of facing the top-ranked team in the world. He stated, “We have to be good enough to put India under pressure for longer,” highlighting the need for sustained performance throughout the match. The coach believes that maintaining pressure will be crucial for Pakistan to have a chance at victory against their rivals. Hesson expressed confidence in his team’s ability to seize this opportunity, saying, “We have deserved this opportunity so it’s now up to us to make the most of it.”
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