Signs good for CWC27 as Pakistan target tri-series trophy
Mike Hesson has Pakistan ticking over nicely 12 months out from the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, though he believes their best form is still ahead.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson is hoping his side is saving their best form for the tri-series final against Sri Lanka in Lahore on Saturday.
The tri-series hosts qualified for the final courtesy of three consecutive victories at the start of the event, though Hesson knows his team haven't quite produced their best performance as yet despite some favourable results.
Not one Pakistan batter is among the top five run-scorers at the tri-series, while star opener Fakhar Zaman and former skipper Babar Azam are yet to score a half-century at the event despite each having played in every match so far.
That's why Hesson is feeling optimistic ahead of the tri-series decider, with the Pakistan coach believing the side may be ready to produce their best when they take on Sri Lanka.
“It’s been a pretty good couple of weeks. 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," Hesson said.
“I still don’t think we have played our best game yet. Hopefully, we are saving that for the final.”
The signs have been good for Pakistan since Hesson took over as coach last year, with the experienced mentor having led the side to 12 victories from 19 ODIs that includes series triumphs against Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
It bodes well for the side ahead of next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, with Hesson hoping he can lead the team to their first 50-over World Cup title since they tasted success in Australia back in 1992.
Pakistan create history at 1992 Cricket World Cup at MCG
Pakistan create history at 1992 Cricket World Cup at MCG
Hesson does know he will need his top-order to fire with the bat though if they are to add the coveted World Cup trophy to their mantlepiece and the Pakistan coach is expecting them to rise to the occasion, starting with the tri-series final against Sri Lanka.
“You are talking about two of the greatest players in Pakistan’s history in the top three (Fakhar and Babar). I expect big players to stand up in big games," Hesson said.
“The fact that we have been able to achieve the wins that we have without the top order performing as well as we know they are capable of is a good sign.
“A couple of our key players are searching for that match-winning performance and there’s no better place to do it than in a final.”