Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson believes that beating a spin-heavy Afghanistan side in the tri-nation series final, held in spin-friendly Sharjah conditions, will boost Pakistan’s confidence heading into the Asia Cup.
In a low-scoring encounter, Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 75 runs in the triangular series. The Men in Green outclassed their neighbours in a spin fest. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz claimed a five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, and was the architect of the win.
With the Asia Cup set to be hosted in the UAE, Pakistan will head into the continental tournament better prepared.
“We have beaten Afghanistan in conditions that suited their spin attack, which was a real confidence booster,” said Hesson after winning the tri-series. “Heading into the Asia Cup, this was also very important for us.”
Placed alongside India, the UAE and Oman in Group A, Pakistan will begin their campaign with a match against the UAE in Dubai on Wednesday, September 10. In the biggest clash of their group, Pakistan will face arch-rivals, India in a high-profile encounter at the same venue on Sunday, September 14. Hesson wants his team to remain focused and not get distracted by ‘external pressures’.
“Our pool is challenging, with Oman, the UAE and India, so we need to adapt quickly. The key is not to get distracted by external pressures,” said Hesson.
Since Hesson took over as head coach in May this year, Pakistan have lost only one T20I series. Their recent experience of playing in the UAE ahead of the Asia Cup could prove beneficial in fine-tuning their preparations for the eight-team tournament.
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