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Mike Hesson urges Pakistan to stay focused for their Asia Cup clash against India in Dubai, as emotions run high after recent border conflict. India enters as defending champions.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson (AFP)
Coach Mike Hesson has instructed his Pakistan team to “focus on the job” in Sunday’s highly charged Asia Cup clash against arch-rivals India.
The match in Dubai marks the first encounter between the neighbours in cricket since a brief but deadly border conflict in May, with emotions expected to run high.
Hesson, a New Zealander, stated on Thursday: “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.”
The eight-nation Twenty20 tournament began on Tuesday with Afghanistan defeating Hong Kong by 94 runs. India crushed hosts the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets on Wednesday.
Pakistan begin their campaign against Oman on Friday, but much of the attention is already on their upcoming match against world champions India two days later.
“We know that India are obviously hugely confident and rightfully so in terms of how well they’ve played,” Hesson said of the Asia Cup holders, who bowled UAE out for just 57 in 13.1 overs. India cruised to victory in just 4.3 overs.
Since winning the World Cup last year, they have won 18 of their 21 T20Is.
‘Such A Highly Charged Event Is Going To Be Exciting’
Hesson is excited to be part of a blockbuster event, which will be watched by a packed stadium in Dubai and hundreds of millions of television viewers.
“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,” he added.
Pakistan enter the Asia Cup with a tri-series win in the UAE involving Afghanistan and UAE, and confidence is growing.
“We’re very much focused on improving as a team, sort of day by day, and not getting too far ahead of ourselves,” said Hesson.
India, Pakistan, Oman, and UAE are in Group A, while Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh form Group B.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage. The top two teams will then play the final on September 28 in Dubai.
(With inputs from AFP)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
September 11, 2025, 21:16 IST
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