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DUBAI: White-ball head coach Mike Hesson has said that Pakistan is geared up to take on the strong Indian team in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 block-buster clash, which will be played on Sunday here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).
Before taking on India, Pakistan will play Oman tomorrow at the same venue in their opening match of the tournament.
Speaking to the media ahead of the opening game, Hesson talked about the highly anticipated game against arch-rivals India on Sunday, September 14.
“I’ve certainly watched many games from afar and I have also commentated. So, being on the other side of the fence and right amongst such a highly charged event is going to be exciting,” he told reporters.
“From my perspective, just like any final or world event, it’s about keeping everybody focused on the job at hand. That’ll be no different this weekend. We know India are hugely confident, and rightfully so, in terms of how well they’ve played,” he added.
Hesson stated that Pakistan is focused on maintaining composure despite huge game against India.
“But we’re focused on improving as a team day by day, not getting too far ahead of ourselves. We’re well aware of the enormity of the task, but we’re also looking forward to the challenge ahead,” Hesson explained.
Regarding the playing XI against Oman, Hesson said that the wicket is different from Sharjah, where they emerged victorious over spin-heavy Afghanistan in the T20I tr-series final.
Furthermore, he also praised Mohammad Nawaz and labelled him as a world-class bowler.
“We haven’t finalized the XI yet. Part of that process is coming and looking at the wicket, which I’ve done today. It’s very different to Sharjah, particularly in terms of the abrasiveness of the grass,” Hesson revealed.
“Mohammad Nawaz is currently ranked as the best spin bowler in the world since returning to the side. We’ve also got Abrar and Sufiyan doing well, Saim is in the top 10 all-rounders, and Salman Ali Agha,” he concluded.
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