Mike Hesson Confident Pakistan Can Challenge Top-Ranked India in Asia Cup Final

India and Pakistan will meet for the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday in Dubai. This is their third encounter in the tournament, with India winning both previous matches, including a six-wicket victory in the Super Four stage.

The ongoing Asia Cup has seen the Indo-Pak rivalry intensify, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

Controversies have also arisen, including a handshake row, with India avoiding customary handshakes with Pakistan. Even skipper Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake hands with Salman Agha during the toss.

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson urged his team to focus on cricket ahead of the final.

“Look, my message to the players is just focus on cricket and that certainly we will be doing. In terms of gestures there has always been passion in terms of high-pressure games,” he said.

Reflecting on the two defeats against India, Hesson added, “The first game was a bit passive, we allowed India to control the game. In the last match we had that game by the scruff of the neck for long periods, and it took an exceptional innings from Abhishek Sharma that took the game away from us. We have deserved this opportunity, so it’s now up to us to make the most of it.”

Hesson stressed that Pakistan’s challenge in the final will be to put India under pressure and compete strongly against the world’s top-ranked side.