Hesson backs Pakistan to find best form in tri-series final against Sri Lanka

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson believes his side may be ready to produce its best cricket of the tri-series when it faces Sri Lanka in Saturday’s final in Lahore.

The hosts secured their place in the decider with three consecutive victories at the beginning of the event, but Hesson acknowledged that Pakistan have not yet delivered a complete performance. Their results have been encouraging, even though several important batters have not made a major impact.

No Pakistan batter features among the top five run-scorers in the tri-series. Opener Fakhar Zaman and former captain Babar Azam have both played in every match, yet neither has scored a half-century during the tournament.

Hesson nevertheless sees the side’s ability to keep winning without its leading batters producing their best form as a positive indication ahead of the final.

“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.”

Pakistan’s recent progress has also strengthened the outlook under Hesson, who took charge last year. The experienced coach has guided the team to 12 victories in 19 one-day internationals, including series wins against Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

That record provides encouragement as Pakistan look towards next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The team are seeking their first 50-over World Cup title since their triumph in Australia in 1992, and Hesson knows a productive top order will be essential to that ambition.

He expects Fakhar and Babar, whom he described as two of the greatest players in Pakistan’s history, to respond when the occasion demands it, beginning with the Lahore final.

“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.”

With two key batters still searching for a match-winning contribution, Hesson believes the final offers the ideal stage for them to find their best form.

“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,” he said.