SHARJAH: Pakistan men’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has shared his thoughts on the national team’s recent performances in the build-up to the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, slated to commence tomorrow.
Pakistan is coming off a tri-series final triumph over Afghanistan, proving a timely confidence booster for the team ahead of the continental tournament.
Mike Hesson praised Pakistan team performances and expressed confidence during a preview session on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) YouTube channel.
“I’m pleased with the way the team is progressing. I think we’re not the finished product yet, but to win, 10 out of 14 games is a good start,” Hesson stated.
“It took us a heck of a long time to win 10 games leading up to this. We’ve beaten Afghanistan and conditions that certainly suit their spin attack. So that was uh a confidence builder for the group and to win a final where there’s a bit of
pressure on the line,” he added.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
The 50-year-old highlighted the progress of the newly built team and their adaptability in the tri-series.
“We are still a developing side, not yet the finished product, but the progress is encouraging. One of the important aspects of the Tri-Series was adapting to four different pitches,” Hesson elaborated.
He further lauded Fakhar Zaman’s and Mohammad Nawaz’s vital contributions for the Pakistan team in the tri-series.
“Fakhar has steadily improved throughout the tri-series, gaining confidence after coming back from injury. His 77 not out was an important knock, not just for him but for the team as well, given the lack of top-order experience.
Mohammad Nawaz, meanwhile, has been exceptional. He has been outstanding with bat, ball, and in the field. Statistically, he is the best-performing T20 bowler in world cricket this year, and he has added power-hitting value at number six or seven, ” Hesson said.
Mike Hesson emphasized the Asia Cup 2025 and team goals, noting that their first goal is to qualify for the next round.
“The key for us is to stay focused on one game at a time, without letting external pressures affect concentration. The goal is first to qualify for the Super Four, then to play consistently well to progress further. If we continue to focus on each match, we’ll give ourselves the best chance of success,” he concluded.
READ:Â Match officials for Asia Cup 2025 group stage fixtures revealed