Dubai, September 26, 2025: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has thrown his full support behind the team ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final against India, saying the players have “earned the right” to fight for the title despite recent inconsistencies and off-field distractions.
Pakistan booked their place in Sunday’s decider at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium with a tense 11-run win over Bangladesh in the Super Four — a match effectively treated as a semi-final. The showdown marks the first-ever Pakistan-India final in Asia Cup history since the tournament’s inception in 1984.
Preparations, however, have been overshadowed by an ICC disciplinary process after complaints about excessive celebrations and on-field gestures in earlier games. Several Pakistan players appeared before match referee Ritchie Richardson on Friday.
Hesson downplayed the distractions and urged his squad to remain focused. “We’ve deserved this opportunity. All the games before now were about putting ourselves in a position to win the trophy. Now it’s about delivering on the biggest stage,” he told reporters.
He admitted Pakistan’s batting struggles nearly cost them against Bangladesh, with the side reduced to 33 for four, but praised the resilience of the lower order and the precision of the bowlers. “These surfaces are difficult. It’s about decision-making, adapting, and fighting for every run. That’s what we did,” he said, singling out Shaheen Shah Afridi and captain Salman Ali Agha for crucial contributions.
On Pakistan’s winless run against India in their last seven encounters, Hesson dismissed talk of psychological barriers. “Absolutely not. In the last match, we had them for long periods. One exceptional innings turned it. This time, we need to sustain pressure for longer,” he noted.
Captain Salman Ali Agha also expressed confidence, praising his side’s ability to grind out results under pressure. “If you can win these kinds of games, you must be a special team. Everyone chipped in. We know what we need to do — we are good enough to beat anyone,” he said.
Pakistan’s victory over Bangladesh was built on Mohammad Haris’ gritty 31, supported by Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Afridi, before the bowlers — Haris Rauf, Shaheen, Saim Ayub, and Nawaz — combined to restrict Bangladesh to 124 for nine.
Agha acknowledged Pakistan fell short with the bat but credited the bowlers and fielders for defending the target. “We were 10–15 runs short, but the way Shaheen and Haris bowled with the new ball created pressure. Once you do that, you win more often,” he said.
Looking ahead to the final, Agha said the team was fully prepared for the blockbuster clash. “Very excited. We know what we need to do. We will come on Sunday and try to beat them.”
