Only match that matters is final: Hesson on Asia Cup defeats against India

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has downplayed concerns over his team’s back-to-back defeats to India in the ongoing Asia Cup, stressing that the only result that truly matters is Sunday’s final against their arch-rivals.

India have dominated Pakistan in this edition so far, registering a seven-wicket win in the group stage before repeating the result with a six-wicket victory in the Super 4s.

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“We know that we played on the 14th. We played on the 21st. But really, the only match that really counts is the one at the end. And that will be our focus. Trying to play our best game when it counts,” Hesson said after Pakistan sealed their place in the final with a nervy 11-run win over Bangladesh on Thursday.

“So now it’s up to us to make the most of it. And I think all the games that have happened up to this point now have been around trying to get yourself in a position to win the trophy. And that’s what we’ve been talking about the whole time,” he added.

This year’s title clash carries historic significance, as India and Pakistan will face for the first time in an Asia Cup final since the continental event began in Sharjah in 1984.

Away from the field, Pakistan’s media manager Naeem Gillani, who had earlier denied access to Indian reporters, allowed a question from the travelling press contingent during Thursday’s interaction.

I deal with the cricket side: Hesson on Rauf and Farhan’s provocative gestures

Asked about the team’s response to external criticism and the impending ICC hearings for players Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf over provocative gestures, Hesson responded, “Look, my message is we just focus on the cricket and that’s certainly what we’ll be doing. Those things, you probably know more about than me.”

“I deal with the cricket side. In terms of gestures, look, there’s always a bit of passion, in terms of when you’re in high-pressure games. But we will be focusing on playing a good game and focusing on cricket, and that’s part of my job,” he added.

The Pakistan coach also brushed aside talk that his players are struggling against spin bowling, particularly in picking deliveries from the hand.

“I have heard a number of people say we are not picking the ball from the hand. And I’ve answered that question before. For example, when Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lankan leg-spinner) bowls, we know that he’s a googly bowler. And it really has nothing to do with picking the ball from the hand. It’s actually being able to play it off the pitch or being able to get your body into a good position,” Hesson explained.

Instead, he acknowledged that decision-making under pressure has been Pakistan’s bigger challenge.

“We’ve been a little bit tentative. These pitches are also pretty challenging as every side has found out after the Powerplay. It’s really difficult,” he admitted.