Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted a new phase of cooperation under CPEC at a media Dubai: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has asked his players to stay calm and level-headed as they gear up for the highly-awaited Asia Cup T20 final showdown against arch-rivals India, the first-ever title clash between them in the 41-year history of the tournament.
Addressing the media conference following Pakistan’s victory over Bangladesh at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Hesson put his team in mind that pressure and emotions are natural in such matches but reiterated the need to focus energy only on performance.
“Think only about the game. It is understandable that emotions tend to get high in pressure games, but we need to channel our energy into cricket,” Hesson said.
Recognizing the team’s previous troubles in facing India during the group stage, the head coach complimented the better fight presented in their second encounter. “In the last game, we put pressure on India for an extended period of time. The actual challenge lies in maintaining that pressure throughout the match, and that is what we need to provide in the final,” he stated.
Confidence and momentum
Hesson added that back-to-back wins had increased the confidence of the team and that the players were keen to grab the historic moment. “The boys are motivated and confident. This final is not any ordinary game—it’s an opportunity to make history,” he said.
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Historic rivalry
Pakistan and India have clashed in many high-pressure meetings, but Sunday’s encounter is the first time they will meet in an Asia Cup final. The competition started in 1984 and has been won by India eight times. Pakistan have only secured victory twice, their most recent being in 2012.
Cricket enthusiasts across the globe are waiting with bated breath for the encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where a full house is anticipated. The final has already been labelled by pundits as one of the biggest games in Asian cricket history.
What’s at stake
For Pakistan, victory would mean not only breaking India’s dominance in the tournament but also securing a third Asia Cup title after more than a decade. For India, a ninth title would further cement their supremacy in the region.
As excitement builds, Hesson’s message is clear: Pakistan’s best chance lies in discipline, composure, and turning belief into performance when it matters most.
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