Hesson aims higher after back-to-back wins

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has expressed satisfaction over the team’s recent performances but emphasized that there remains “a lot more to be done” to elevate the side to world-beating standards.

Speaking to the official broadcasters ahead of the opening match of the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Hesson said he was delighted with Pakistan’s back-to-back white-ball series victories against South Africa, yet maintained that the team must not lose sight of the bigger picture.

“I am the kind of coach who is never fully satisfied. Winning both the ODI and T20 series against South Africa, especially the ODI triumph at home after such a long gap was fantastic for the fans and for the dressing room morale. But we have to keep striving for improvement. We’ve just started scratching the surface of what this team can achieve,” Hesson remarked.

The New Zealand-born coach, who took over Pakistan’s white-ball coaching duties earlier this year, said his primary focus remains on building momentum and balance ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled in Sri Lanka next year.

“Our goal is long-term consistency. Over the past year, we’ve won overseas in Australia and South Africa, but our ODI form dipped in between. The home series win against South Africa is a positive sign, it shows we are getting back on track. Yet, I still believe we need more discipline with the bat, sharper decision-making, and greater responsibility from every player in the top and middle order,” he explained.

Hesson also shed light on the importance of adapting to varying pitch conditions, noting that playing on spin-friendly tracks at home could serve as valuable preparation for the World Cup in Sri Lanka.

“I actually like the fact that our T20 matches are being played on surfaces that assist spin. It helps our players prepare for sub continental challenges. For ODIs, though, we need to play to our strengths and the Rawalpindi wicket provides good pace and bounce, which allows our fast bowlers to express themselves and our batters to play their shots freely,” he added.

The coach appreciated the positive energy within the dressing room, commending captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s leadership and the emergence of young talent for creating a competitive environment.

“We’ve seen a lot of self-belief return to this group. Shaheen’s leadership is evolving beautifully, and the younger players are pushing the seniors, that’s what drives a team forward,” Hesson said.

Pakistan’s ODI campaign against Sri Lanka will serve as a crucial testing ground for several fringe players as the team management looks to finalize a balanced core before the busy 2026 season, which includes tours of New Zealand, England, and the T20 World Cup besides hosting teams like Australia at home.