Pakistan Head Coach reveals real reason behind India defeat.
Pakistan’s cricket team is facing backlash after their humiliating seven-wicket loss to India at the Asia Cup from fans and analysts alike, prompting head coach Mike Hesson to acknowledge his team’s drawbacks.
From Salman Ali Agha’s decision to bat first to the overall team selection, critics have dissected every detail following the defeat.
Mike Hesson, however, identified Pakistan’s batting failures as the decisive factor in their loss to arch-rivals India during the Group A clash in Dubai.
Reflecting on the high-pressure contest, the New Zealander admitted that Pakistan struggled to adapt to the conditions but defended the decision to bat first.
“I guess these used surfaces get slower, so runs on the board can help. But we didn’t bat well—that’s the reality,” Mike Hesson said after the match.
“We were 20 to 30 runs short, and there’s lots to work on against a good bowling attack.”
Pakistan’s batting lineup, which has faced criticism in recent months for its ultra-aggressive approach under Hesson, once again faltered against India’s disciplined bowling.
Five of the top seven batters failed to reach double digits, leaving Shaheen Afridi to salvage some pride with a gritty 33. Pakistan’s modest target of 128 posed little challenge for the Indian batters, who cruised to victory following an early flurry from Abhishek Sharma.
Despite the setback, Mike Hesson remained optimistic about the team’s ability to regroup and refine its strategy.
Pakistan remain favourites to qualify for the Super Four as the second team from Group A, with their final fixture scheduled against the UAE on 17 September.
However, with competition intensifying as the tournament progresses, Mike Hesson and his squad must quickly devise a formula that works against the tournament heavyweights.
