Mike Hesson, the head coach of Pakistan, has asked his team to maintain concentration before their intense Asia Cup match against bitter foe India on September 14. The contest will be more intense because the match in Dubai will be the first time the two neighbours have met since a brief but deadly border dispute in May.
Afghanistan defeated Hong Kong by 94 runs in the opening match of the eight-nation T20 event on Tuesday, September 9. On Wednesday, India easily defeated the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets. Although Pakistan’s campaign opener against Oman is scheduled for this Friday, the focus is already heavily on their matchup with world champions India two days later.
“I guess, from my perspective, just like any time you enter a match, whether it be a final of a world event or whatever, it’s about keeping everybody focused on the job at hand and that’ll be no different on the weekend,” Mike Hesson was quoted by NDTV Sports.
He continued, “We know that India is obviously very confident and rightfully so given how well they’ve played.”
India easily defeated the UAE in just 4.3 overs, extending their winning streak to 18 victories in 21 Twenty20 Internationals since their World Cup victory last year. Mike Hesson expressed his excitement at being a part of the highly anticipated match, which will likely be televised by hundreds of millions of people and played in front of a full stadium in Dubai. After defeating Afghanistan and the UAE in a tri-series played in the UAE, Pakistan advanced to the Asia Cup.
“Look, I’ve certainly watched many games from afar, so certainly being on the other side of the fence, I guess, being right and amongst such a highly charged event is going to be exciting,” Mike Hesson stated.
He continued, “We’re really focused on getting better as a team, kind of day by day, and not getting too far ahead of ourselves.”
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