Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has dismissed the notion of any mental block affecting his players when facing India, as the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final approaches.
Hesson believes Pakistan showed significant improvement against India in the Super 4 stage compared to the group stage. However, he emphasized the need for his team to maintain pressure on the Men in Blue for longer periods to challenge their dominance effectively.
Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, secured their spot in the final after an 11-run victory over Bangladesh on Thursday. This win sets up a blockbuster clash with India, who have already beaten their arch-rivals twice convincingly in the tournament, entering the final as overwhelming favourites.
When asked about the possibility of a mental block against India, Hesson responded confidently:
“Certainly not. The way we played against India in the last match was a huge step up from the first game. In the first game, we were a bit passive and allowed India to control the game. In the last match, we had the game by the scruff of the neck for long periods. It took an exceptional innings from Abhishek Sharma to take the game away from us. Outside of that, we were pretty good, especially with the ball during the powerplay. We have to be good enough to put India under pressure for long enough. We were able to do that for 10 overs with the bat; we did it post powerplay last game, and we have to sustain that for longer. There’s a reason they are rated the top side in the world.”
This Asia Cup final will mark the first time India and Pakistan face each other at this stage of the tournament, making it a historic occasion. India are the most successful team in Asia Cup history with eight titles, while Pakistan have won the trophy twice, their last triumph coming in 2012.
The much-awaited final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two fierce rivals aiming for continental supremacy.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/certainly-not-mike-hesson-denies-pakistan-players-facing-mental-block-against-team-india-as-asia-cup-2025-final-looms-video