Pakistan will be terribly shadowed by recent political tensions and will face favourites and holder India in the Asian Cup final.
Released on September 26, 2025
Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson asked his players to focus on cricket when they face India in Sunday’s Asian Cup final after raising tensions at the previous two meetings.
Pakistan held its first meeting with India in the Asian Cup final, following an 11-run victory that fought Bangladesh in a super four matches held in Dubai on Thursday.
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Hesson played the bitterness that undermined the past two matches between India and Pakistan in this edition of the Asian Cup.
“Look, my message to players is just focusing on cricket, and that’s certainly something we do. In terms of gesture, there’s always been a passion from a high pressure game perspective,” said Hesson of New Zealand.
India refused to shake hands with Pakistan after the first match, and the second team also did not shake hands after the second match.
India’s captain Suryakumaryadav was accused of making a political statement after the first match, while Pakistani openers Sabizadafahan and Paiser Harrisrauf made offensive gestures for the second time.
India has comfortably won Pakistan in two previous matches, beating them with seven wickets and six wickets in the Super 4 stages in Group A matches.
This led to India’s unbeaten run against Pakistan to seven international matches dating back to 2022.
Hesson said his team needs to be relentless against world champion India to enjoy a victory in the final.
“There’s a reason they’re ranked topside in the world, so it has to be enough to keep India under pressure for longer,” he said.
“We have to be under pressure on them, and that’s what we’ll challenge.”
Pakistan managed just 127-9 in its first match. India chased the loss of just three wickets.
Pakistan got much better in their second encounter, but still lost by six wickets.
“I think the way we played against India in our final match was a big step from the first game,” said former New Zealand coach Hesson.
“The first game was a bit passive, and India now has control over the game.
“In our last match, we had that game on the neck for a long time, and we needed an exceptional inning from Abhishek Sharma.
Sharma hit the match-winning 39 balls 74 to help India chase a 172-run target.
“We deserve this opportunity, so it’s up to us now to make the most of it,” added Hesson.
“We’ve been trying to be in a position to win the trophy.”
