Amidst the growing tensions between India and Pakistan off the field, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has shifted the focus back to on-field matters ahead of the high-octane final between the age-old rivals.
For the first time in the 41-year history of the Asia Cup, India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the final. The two Asian giants have faced each other twice already in the tournament. A lot has happened between the matches, both on and off the field, with the most recent development being the BCCI and PCB filing complaints against players from the opposing sides.
“My message is that we just focus on cricket… I deal with the cricket side,” Hesson said at the press conference after the Super 4 clash against Bangladesh. “In terms of gestures — look, there’s always a lot of passion when you’re in high-pressure games — but, you know, we will be keeping our focus very much on playing a good game. Focusing on the cricket — that’s part of my job.”
Hesson emphasised the need to keep India under pressure for longer periods during the game.
“We have to be good enough for long enough to be able to put India under pressure. We managed to do it for 10 overs with the bat, maybe after the powerplay with the ball in the last game. We need to sustain it for longer. There’s a reason why they’re rated the top side in the world. We have to put them under pressure,” he said.
Sunday’s final is set to be a memorable encounter, as India and Pakistan battle for the prestigious continental title.
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