Afghanistan have emerged as a force in T20 cricket compared to the other two formats, with stars like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi already proving their dominance. This progress has made Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson particularly wary of the upcoming challenge.
Pakistan are set to feature in a tri-nation series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates before the Asia Cup, and Hesson believes this will serve as a valuable preparation stage.
Hesson Acknowledges Afghanistan’s Rise in T20 Cricket
Highlighting Afghanistan’s recent success, Hesson said:
Afghanistan were semi-finalists in the last T20 World Cup. They are a top-level team, especially when they play in Sharjah.”
Their performances in high-pressure situations have made them a team to watch out for, especially in conditions that suit their spin-heavy attack.
Pakistan’s Focus on Middle Order Strength
Hesson also shed light on Pakistan’s strategy, particularly the importance of the middle order against quality spin bowling.
“Our middle order can not only change the edge against spin, but they can also hold the opposition down, and that will be a very important thing in the fight. We are not taking any of these matches lightly,” he explained.
The tri-nation series is scheduled to begin on August 29 and will conclude on September 7, just a day before the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 kicks off.
Also Read: Aakash Chopra Backs Shreyas Iyer’s Inclusion: ‘No One Better in Middle Overs’
