Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has played down any suggestion of a mental block among his players when facing India, as the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final approaches. Hesson believes Pakistan showed marked improvement against India in the Super 4 stage compared to their Group stage encounter but emphasized the need to maintain pressure on the Men in Blue for longer periods.
Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, secured their spot in the final after a hard-fought 11-run victory over Bangladesh on Thursday. Their win sets up a blockbuster clash against India, who have convincingly beaten Pakistan twice already in the tournament. Despite India beginning the final as overwhelming favourites, Hesson remains confident in his team’s abilities.
When asked whether Pakistan faces a mental block against India, Hesson responded:
“Certainly not. The way we played against India in the last match was a huge step up from the first game. In the first game, we were a bit passive and allowed India to control the game. In the last match, we had the game by the scruff of the neck for long periods of it. It took an exceptional innings from Abhishek Sharma to take the game away from us. Outside of that, we were pretty good. It mostly came down to the powerplay with the ball. We have to be good enough to put India under pressure for long enough. We were able to do it for 10 overs with the bat, we did it post powerplay last game, and we have to do it for longer. There’s a reason they are rated the top side in the world.”
This final marks the first time India and Pakistan will face each other in an Asia Cup final, making it a landmark moment in the history of the tournament. India enters the match as serial winners, having lifted the trophy eight times. In contrast, Pakistan have won the Asia Cup twice, with their last triumph dating back to 2012.
Cricket fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting this thrilling showdown, which promises to deliver high drama and intense competition between two of the sport’s fiercest rivals.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/certainly-not-mike-hesson-denies-pakistan-players-facing-mental-block-against-team-india-as-asia-cup-2025-final-looms-video
