“We have to be good enough to put India under pressure for longer” - Mike Hesson ahead of Asia Cup 2025 grand finale

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has opened up on the India vs Pakistan grand finale clash in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 season. Notably, the grand finale between the arch-rivals is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 28, in Dubai.

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Speaking in the post-match press conference, Hesson asserted that his players stepped up in a better way in the Super Four clash against India, when compared to the group stage clash, adding that his side had the game by the scruff of the neck for long periods.

"I think the way we played against India in the last match was a huge step up from the first game. The first game was a bit passive; we allowed India to control the game. The last match we had that game by the scruff of the neck for long periods, and it took an exceptional innings from Abhishek Sharma that took the game away from us,” Hesson said in the press conference.

Moreover, Hesson also reckoned that Team India is No. 1-ranked side for a reason and his players would be aiming to put the opposition under constant pressure when they meet their arch-rivals on Sunday in the much-awaited final.

"We have to be good enough to put India under pressure for longer because there is a reason why they are ranked the top side in the world. We have to put them under pressure, and that will be our challenge. We have deserved this opportunity, so it’s now up to us to make the most of it. We have been trying to be in a position to win the trophy," he added.

When asked about the controversial and provocative gestures from the opening batter Sahibzada Farhan and star pacer Haris Rauf during the Super Four clash against India, Hesson stated that his job is to play a good game.

"Look, my message is that we are focused on the cricket and we certainly will be doing that. Those things, you probably know more about than I do. I deal with the cricket side. In terms of gestures, there is always some passion, isn’t there? In terms of when you are in high-pressure games, our focus will be on playing a good game. That’s a part of my job,” he concluded.

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