Lahore: Pakistan's cricket team is preparing for the tri-series final against Sri Lanka with high hopes, despite not having their key players at peak performance during the series. According to International Cricket Council, Pakistan's coach Mike Hesson is optimistic that his team will deliver their best game in the upcoming match on Saturday, having already secured three consecutive victories to reach the final.
While none of Pakistan's batsmen rank among the top five run-scorers in the tri-series, and key players Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam have yet to score a half-century, Hesson sees potential in the team's recent performance. He notes that achieving three wins without significant contributions from top players is a promising sign for the team's prospects.
Since Hesson's appointment last year, Pakistan has won 12 out of 19 One Day Internationals (ODIs), with series victories against teams like Australia, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. This progress sets a positive tone as the team looks ahead to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup next year, where Pakistan aims to win its first 50-over World Cup since 1992.
Hesson emphasizes the importance of the top-order batting lineup delivering strong performances, expressing confidence in players like Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam to excel in crucial matches. He believes the tri-series final against Sri Lanka is an ideal opportunity for these players to make a significant impact.