White-ball head coach Mike Hesson has expressed confidence in Pakistan’s preparations ahead of their much-anticipated clash against India in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.
The high-voltage encounter is set to take place on Sunday (September 14) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).
Before the showdown with India, Pakistan will kick off their Asia Cup campaign against Oman tomorrow at the same venue.
Addressing the media ahead of the opening fixture, Hesson spoke about the atmosphere surrounding the marquee match against India, scheduled for September 14.
“I’ve certainly watched many games from afar and I have also commentated. So, being on the other side of the fence and right amongst such a highly charged event is going to be exciting,” he told reporters.
“From my perspective, just like any final or world event, it’s about keeping everybody focused on the job at hand. That’ll be no different this weekend. We know India are hugely confident, and rightfully so, in terms of how well they’ve played,” he added.
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Hesson highlighted the importance of staying focused and composed, regardless of the occasion.
“But we’re focused on improving as a team day by day, not getting too far ahead of ourselves. We’re well aware of the enormity of the task, but we’re also looking forward to the challenge ahead,” Hesson explained.
While acknowledging the strength of the opposition, the coach stressed that Pakistan’s approach is centered on steady improvement and not getting ahead of themselves.
“We’re taking things one day at a time. The challenge is huge, no doubt, but the team is excited about what lies ahead.”
Speaking about team selection for the Oman match, Hesson noted that pitch conditions in Dubai are notably different from those in Sharjah, where Pakistan recently defeated Afghanistan in the T20I tri-series final.
“We haven’t finalized our playing XI just yet,” he said. “I had a good look at the pitch today – it’s a different surface compared to Sharjah, especially with the type of grass and how it wears.”
Hesson also had high praise for left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, calling him a standout performer.
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“Since returning to the squad, Nawaz has been one of the top spinners in the world. We also have Abrar and Sufiyan bowling well, and Saim is currently ranked among the top 10 all-rounders. Salman Ali Agha continues to be an asset as well,” he concluded.
