Only match that really counts is final against India: Pakistan coach Hesson

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson brushed aside concerns over back-to-back defeats to India in the ongoing Asia Cup, insisting that the only result that truly matters is the upcoming final against their arch-rivals on Sunday.

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India had beaten Pakistan convincingly in both previous meetings in this edition, first by seven wickets in the group stage and then by six wickets in the Super 4s.

“We know that we played on the 14th, We played on the 21st. But really, the only match that really counts is the one at the end. And that will be our focus. Trying to play our best game when it counts,” he said after Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 11 runs on Thursday to seal their place in the final.

“So now it's up to us to make the most of it. And I think all the games that have happened up to this point now have been around trying to get yourself in a position to win the trophy, And that’s what we've been talking about the whole time,” he added.

This year's final will be historic, as India and Pakistan have never faced each other in an Asia Cup title match since the tournament's inception in Sharjah in 1984.

‘Away from the pitch, Pakistan's media manager Naeem Gillani—who had previously denied access to Indian reporters — allowed a question from the travelling press contingent on Thursday.