History is on the cards. For the first time since the Asia Cup began in 1984, Pakistan and India will clash in a tournament final. And Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson believes his side has earned the right to be there.
After surviving a tense Super Four clash against Bangladesh — a game that felt more like a semi-final — Pakistan booked their ticket to Sunday’s grand finale at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Despite a turbulent campaign, Hesson says his team is exactly where they belong.
“We’ve deserved this opportunity,” Hesson told reporters after the win over Bangladesh. “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.”
Off-field distractions, on-field focus
The build-up to the final has been far from straightforward. Several Pakistan players face ICC disciplinary hearings for “excessive celebrations” and provocative gestures during earlier matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. But Hesson has urged his men to shut out the noise.
“Look, my message is simple: we just focus on cricket. That’s what we’re here for,” he said. “There’s always emotion in big games, and sometimes it spills over. Our job is to play the game — and play it well.”
Learning from scars against India
Pakistan’s path to the final has included two stinging defeats to India — a seven-wicket loss in the group stage and another six-wicket defeat in the Super Fours. Yet Hesson refuses to believe those setbacks will weigh his team down.
“The only match that really counts is the one at the end,” he insisted. “We know we had them for long periods in the last match. It wasn’t fear — it was one exceptional innings that turned the game. This time, we need to keep the pressure on for longer.”
Fighting spirit the key
The coach also reflected on Pakistan’s rollercoaster win against Bangladesh, where the team was reeling at 33 for 4 before a gritty lower-order fightback turned the tide. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s impact with the ball and Agha Salman’s composure with the bat earned special praise.
“These surfaces are difficult,” Hesson explained. “It’s not about playing the perfect cover drive — it’s about decision-making, adapting, and fighting for every run. That’s what we did. The fact that we could win from that position shows the character of this group.”
Mind over spin
Responding to criticism that Pakistan’s batters struggle against spin, Hesson was quick to defend his side. “You don’t always need to pick it from the hand. It’s about playing it off the pitch, getting your body into good positions, and making good decisions. That’s been our challenge — not the mystery, but the choices we make.”
Lights, pressure, and focus
Fielding under Dubai’s famous ‘ring of fire’ floodlights has been another challenge, with several teams dropping straightforward chances. Hesson admitted it’s tricky but praised his players for holding their nerve against Bangladesh.
“You can practice as much as you like, but if the ball comes right into the lights, sometimes your depth perception disappears,” he said. “It’s just another challenge of playing in Dubai.”
The stage is set
For Pakistan, this is more than just another game. It’s a chance to rewrite their record against India, to silence critics, and to turn weeks of drama into one glorious night.
Hesson summed it up best: “We’ve earned the right to be here. Now it’s about making the most of it. The only match that counts is the final.”
On Sunday night in Dubai, under the glittering floodlights and in front of a global audience, the words will no longer matter. Only cricket will.
