LAHORE — Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson believes his team is showing encouraging signs ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, despite not having produced its best performance in the ongoing tri-series.
Pakistan secured a place in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka after registering three consecutive victories. The two sides will meet in the title clash in Lahore on Saturday.
Despite the winning run, Pakistan’s batting unit has yet to fire collectively, with none of their batters featuring among the top five run-scorers in the tournament. Star opener Fakhar Zaman and former captain Babar Azam are also yet to register a half-century.
Hesson, however, believes the team’s ability to win matches despite inconsistent performances from key players is a positive sign.
“We have played some decent cricket without being perfect. To get three wins in a row without contributions from a few of our key players is a good sign,” he said.
The coach added that Pakistan were yet to deliver their best performance and hoped the team would produce it in the final against Sri Lanka.
Since taking charge last year, Hesson has guided Pakistan to 12 victories in 19 ODIs, including bilateral series wins against Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
With the 2027 World Cup approaching, Hesson is hopeful of guiding Pakistan to their second 50-over World Cup title, having last won the tournament in 1992.
He also stressed the importance of contributions from the top order, particularly Fakhar and Babar, as Pakistan look to strengthen their preparations for the global event.
“You are talking about two of the greatest players in Pakistan’s history in the top three. I expect big players to stand up in big games,” Hesson said.
He added that the tri-series final would provide an ideal opportunity for the experienced batters to deliver match-winning performances. — (KIMS)
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