Mike Hesson Pakistan Cricket Team. Image Credits: X
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson opened up after his team suffered a crushing 61-run defeat to India in their T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo on Sunday, February 16.
While chasing a competitive target of 176, Pakistan were bowled out for just 114 in 18 overs. As a result, India stormed into the Super Eight stage of the tournament. At the post-match presentation, Mike Hesson indirectly pointed fingers at senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.
Mike Hesson urges senior players to improve
Notably, Mike Hesson emphasised the importance of composure under pressure. He remarked that the real challenge lies in sticking to the basics during high-pressure moments.
"The real test is whether players stick to their basics when put under pressure. As the tournament progresses, those high-pressure moments will come again, and the key will be how the team responds.
All these players are experienced internationals, the challenge is trusting their decision-making under the pump. Today, pressure forced them away from their plans, something they must improve on to progress further in the tournament," Mike Hesson said.
Mike Hesson defends the decision
Meanwhile, Hesson defended the decision to bowl first, even though the previous three matches at the venue had been won by teams batting first. He explained that the ball was spinning early on and that Pakistan had started well.
"I think the ball was spinning quite a lot initially and we started off well but I think the way Kishan played, he took the game away from us," Mike Hesson said.
India dominate after strong start vs Pakistan
Talking about the match, India posted a formidable 175 for 7 after being sent in to bat. The innings was anchored by a brilliant 77 from Ishan Kishan, who provided a flying start.
Despite losing explosive opener Abhishek Sharma in the first over, Kishan steadied the innings. Subsequently, Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32 runs, while Shivam Dube added 27, ensuring India finished strongly.
In response, Pakistan endured a disastrous start. Sahibzada Farhan top-edged a slog off Hardik Pandya in the very first over and departed for a duck.
Soon after, Jasprit Bumrah struck twice in his second over, dismissing Saim Ayub and skipper Salman Agha, reducing Pakistan to 13-3. When spinner Axar Patel bowled Babar Azam for five, Pakistan were reeling at 34-4 inside five overs.
Although Usman Khan tried to rebuild the innings with a fighting 44 off 34 balls, including six boundaries and a six, his dismissal effectively ended any hopes of a comeback. After he charged down the track to Axar and was stumped by Kishan, Pakistan suffered a mini-collapse of three wickets for just five runs.
Consequently, at 78-7, the contest was virtually sealed, and India wrapped up the innings in 18 overs. Notably, 114 became Pakistan’s third-lowest total against India in T20Is.
It is worth mentioning that India’s third consecutive win secured their place in the Super Eights. On the other hand, Pakistan must now defeat Namibia in their final group match to stay in contention.
Meanwhile, India now hold a commanding 8-1 advantage in T20 World Cup meetings.
