After a 1–2 T20I series defeat against Bangladesh in Mirpur, Pakistan’s white-ball coach Mike Hesson has stressed the need to build depth and consistency as the team enters a crucial six-month period that includes the Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup.
The loss comes after a promising start to Hesson’s tenure, where Pakistan whitewashed Bangladesh in a home series in June. However, the away defeat in more challenging conditions has brought several issues to light.
Pakistan currently ranks eighth in the ICC T20I standings, and Hesson made it clear that a change in approach is required for long-term success. With key players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah unavailable, Salman Agha is leading a side that is clearly in transition.
“Currently sitting 8th in the world we need to create depth and competition for places as well as play a style of cricket that can give us more consistency over time, especially at key event like Asia Cup and World Cups,” Hesson posted on X.
The former New Zealand coach acknowledged the learnings from the contrasting conditions faced during the six T20Is played across the two series.
“First 6 games on two contrasting pitches gave us key insights. A young batting group shone with 200+ scores early. Mirpur which is the lowest scoring venue in T20I’s certainly tested our adaptability and after struggling early we fought back and showed an ability to learn with experience,” Hesson added.
He also credited the team’s development to the support staff, particularly the specialist coaches, and noted visible progress in fielding — traditionally a weakness for Pakistan in white-ball formats.
“New players stepped up, showing promise and in some instances excelling. Specialist Coaches have played a key role in developing bowlers both here and at the NCA. Fielding was a huge step up in last two matches and were starting to look like an International fielding side. Onwards,” he concluded.
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