- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 218,138
Mike Hesson speaking in post-game/series presser:
Q: After South Africa’s strong start, you went downstairs, and their collapse began. What message did you convey?
A: The message was about staying patient. We focused on building pressure gradually and occasionally went hunting for wickets. The key was maintaining control over long periods. We emphasized not getting frustrated, being content with dot balls, and trusting that wickets would eventually fall. It was simply reinforcing what we’d discussed earlier.
Q: Is Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming season shaping up well?
A: We’re making good progress. It’s not perfect yet, but the goal is to win series—and we’ve done that in both T20I and ODI formats. We tend to perform best when the series is on the line. I’m also pleased with how we’re rotating players to build depth.
Q: Pakistan looked transformed today, especially compared to the second game. If Abrar Ahmed had played that match, could the result have changed?
A: The pitch today was very different—dry and less grassy than two days ago. That earlier surface had more grass, offered less turn, and had significant dew when we bowled second. Abrar had areas to improve after the first ODI, and he worked hard in training. I was delighted with his performance today.
Q: Should credit for today’s win go to Shaheen Shah Afridi for his captaincy, or was it a collective effort?
A: Shaheen deserves full credit. His rotation of bowlers, reading of conditions, and tactical decisions were excellent. Even after taking wickets, we didn’t over-attack. He’s growing in confidence, and his leadership today was outstanding.
Q: Babar Azam seems out of form. What’s happening with him?
A: Babar is in excellent form. In the first game, he was dismissed by a ball that skidded and hit ankle height—any batter could’ve been out. Today, he looked composed, absorbed pressure, and was unfortunately run out. He’s continuing the strong form he showed in the T20I series, and I expect a big score from him soon.
Q: How did the bowling unit perform today?
A: They were very patient and assessed the conditions well. Saim Ayub set the tone with disciplined bowling. Nawaz and Abrar then controlled the middle overs effectively. Nawaz getting a left-hander out was a big confidence boost for him.
Q: How would you assess Pakistan’s development as a one-day side?
A: We’re still developing consistency despite having experienced players. I believe we saved our best for last. The pitch, crowd, and atmosphere were fantastic. Playing three games in five days with packed stadiums was a testament to the support from the Faisalabad crowd.
Q: How has the team adapted from T20I to one-day cricket?
A: Switching formats requires more patience, especially with the ball. In the first couple of games, we lacked that. Today, we embraced dot balls and trusted the process. The batting chase was professional—Babar, Saim, and Rizwan all absorbed pressure well.
Q: Any changes to the Tri-Series squad?
A: The squad was already selected. The only change is Hasan Nawaz returning to first-class cricket to regain confidence through match time. He’s a talented player who needs time in the middle. Abdul Samad will rejoin us in Rawalpindi after the Hong Kong Sixes.
Q: After South Africa’s strong start, you went downstairs, and their collapse began. What message did you convey?
A: The message was about staying patient. We focused on building pressure gradually and occasionally went hunting for wickets. The key was maintaining control over long periods. We emphasized not getting frustrated, being content with dot balls, and trusting that wickets would eventually fall. It was simply reinforcing what we’d discussed earlier.
Q: Is Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming season shaping up well?
A: We’re making good progress. It’s not perfect yet, but the goal is to win series—and we’ve done that in both T20I and ODI formats. We tend to perform best when the series is on the line. I’m also pleased with how we’re rotating players to build depth.
Q: Pakistan looked transformed today, especially compared to the second game. If Abrar Ahmed had played that match, could the result have changed?
A: The pitch today was very different—dry and less grassy than two days ago. That earlier surface had more grass, offered less turn, and had significant dew when we bowled second. Abrar had areas to improve after the first ODI, and he worked hard in training. I was delighted with his performance today.
Q: Should credit for today’s win go to Shaheen Shah Afridi for his captaincy, or was it a collective effort?
A: Shaheen deserves full credit. His rotation of bowlers, reading of conditions, and tactical decisions were excellent. Even after taking wickets, we didn’t over-attack. He’s growing in confidence, and his leadership today was outstanding.
Q: Babar Azam seems out of form. What’s happening with him?
A: Babar is in excellent form. In the first game, he was dismissed by a ball that skidded and hit ankle height—any batter could’ve been out. Today, he looked composed, absorbed pressure, and was unfortunately run out. He’s continuing the strong form he showed in the T20I series, and I expect a big score from him soon.
Q: How did the bowling unit perform today?
A: They were very patient and assessed the conditions well. Saim Ayub set the tone with disciplined bowling. Nawaz and Abrar then controlled the middle overs effectively. Nawaz getting a left-hander out was a big confidence boost for him.
Q: How would you assess Pakistan’s development as a one-day side?
A: We’re still developing consistency despite having experienced players. I believe we saved our best for last. The pitch, crowd, and atmosphere were fantastic. Playing three games in five days with packed stadiums was a testament to the support from the Faisalabad crowd.
Q: How has the team adapted from T20I to one-day cricket?
A: Switching formats requires more patience, especially with the ball. In the first couple of games, we lacked that. Today, we embraced dot balls and trusted the process. The batting chase was professional—Babar, Saim, and Rizwan all absorbed pressure well.
Q: Any changes to the Tri-Series squad?
A: The squad was already selected. The only change is Hasan Nawaz returning to first-class cricket to regain confidence through match time. He’s a talented player who needs time in the middle. Abdul Samad will rejoin us in Rawalpindi after the Hong Kong Sixes.
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