DUBAI – Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson believes his side is fully focused and prepared for the high-stakes clash against traditional rivals India in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, set to take place on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).
Before the blockbuster contest, Pakistan will open their campaign on Saturday against Oman, also at the same venue.Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the tournament, Hesson reflected on the atmosphere surrounding Pakistan vs India encounters.“I’ve watched many of these games from afar and even commentated on a few. But being on the other side of the fence, right in the middle of such a charged environment, is going to be exciting,” Hesson said.
The head coach emphasised the importance of maintaining composure in pressure situations.“Just like in a final or a world event, it’s about keeping everybody focused on the job at hand. India are hugely confident, and rightfully so, given their recent form. But for us, it’s about improving day by day and not getting too far ahead of ourselves. We arewell aware of the enormity of the challenge, but we are also looking forward to it.”
When asked about the team composition for the opener against Oman, Hesson hinted that the final XI will depend on pitch conditions.“The wicket here is very different from Sharjah, where we beat Afghanistan in the tri-series final. It’s less abrasive and has different grass coverage, so we’ll make our decisions accordingly,” he explained.
Hesson reserved special praise for Mohammad Nawaz, calling him one of the best spinners in world cricket at present.“Nawaz has been outstanding since his return. He is currently ranked among the best in the world. Alongside him, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem are also doing well. We’ve got Saim Ayub in the top 10 all-rounders and Salman Ali Agha leading with a fearless mindset. It’s a group with real potential,” concluded the head coach.
