ISLAMABAD: Pakistan men’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson hailed his team’s emphatic triumph in the T20I tri-nation series as a key “confidence builder” ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, set to begin from September 9 in the UAE.
The Green Shirts delivered a commanding performance in Sunday’s final at Sharjah Stadium, dismantling Afghanistan by 75 runs.
The victory was anchored by a stellar hat-trick from all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz, who has continued to impress since his return to the national fold.
Reflecting on the tournament, Hesson expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall development, particularly in conditions traditionally favouring spin-heavy sides like Afghanistan.
“I am pleased with the way the team is progressing,” said Hesson. “We have beaten Afghanistan in conditions that suit their spin attack, which was a real confidence builder. Winning a final under pressure before heading into the Asia Cup was also very important for us.”
Among the standout performers, Hesson singled out top-order batter Fakhar Zaman, who has shown signs of returning to form following an injury layoff.
Zaman’s unbeaten 77-run innings against hosts UAE earlier in the tournament played a pivotal role in securing Pakistan’s place in the final.
“Fakhar Zaman has grown in confidence throughout the tri-series after coming back from injury. He started slowly, but his 77 not out was crucial,” said Hesson.
“He’s adapting his game to different conditions; you can’t always score at a strike rate of 160, but he has the ability to adjust when required. His contributions with the bat and in the field have been pleasing.”
Mohammad Nawaz, who was named Player of the Series, also drew high praise from Hesson. The left-arm spinner and handy lower-order batter has been instrumental in Pakistan’s recent white-ball success, including earlier series against the West Indies in the USA.
“Mohammad Nawaz has been outstanding. He was a player of the series both in the tri-series and against the West Indies in the USA,” Hesson noted.
“Since returning to the side, he’s become more confident and smarter about how to bowl at key moments. He is a huge asset in all three departments.”
Looking ahead to the Asia Cup 2025, Hesson acknowledged the challenge of Pakistan’s group, which includes arch-rivals India, hosts UAE, and emerging side Oman.
He stressed the importance of adaptability and mental focus in navigating what he called a “true test” of Asian cricket.
“An eight-team Asia Cup is great for Asian cricket. It’s a true test, it expands the game in the region, and it allows us to see players we don’t face often,” said Hesson.
“Our pool is challenging with Oman, UAE, and India. We have done our scouting, but we will need to adapt quickly. The key is not to get distracted by external pressures. The side that handles those challenges best will win the tournament.”
Pakistan, captained by Salman Ali Agha, will kick off their Asia Cup campaign on September 12 against Oman at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
With momentum on their side and key players regaining form, the Men in Green will be hoping to convert their recent success into continental glory.
