India had beaten Pakistan convincingly in both previous meetings in this edition, first by seven wickets in the group stage and then by six wickets in the Super 4s.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe know that we played on the 14th. We played on the 21st. But really, the only match that really counts is the one at the end. And that will be our focus. Trying to play our best game when it counts,\u201d he said after Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 11 runs on Thursday to seal their place in the final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"So now it\u2019s up to us to make the most of it. And I think all the games that have happened up to this point now have been around trying to get yourself in a position to win the trophy. And that\u2019s what we\u2019ve been talking about the whole time,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This year\u2019s final will be historic, as India and Pakistan have never faced each other in an Asia Cup title match since the tournament\u2019s inception in Sharjah in 1984.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Away from the pitch, Pakistan\u2019s media manager Naeem Gillani \u2014 who had previously denied access to Indian reporters \u2014 allowed a question from the travelling press contingent on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked about the team\u2019s reaction to outside noise and impending ICC hearings for players Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf over provocative gestures, Hesson said: \u201cLook, my message is we just focus on the cricket and that\u2019s certainly what we\u2019ll be doing. Those things, you probably know more about than me. I deal with the cricket side. In terms of gestures, look, there\u2019s always a bit of passion, in terms of when you\u2019re in high-pressure games. But we will be having our focus on playing a good game and focusing on the cricket, and that\u2019s part of my job.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Away from the pitch, Pakistan\u2019s media manager Naeem Gillani \u2014 who had previously denied access to Indian reporters \u2014 allowed a question from the travelling press contingent on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Instead, he pointed to decision-making under pressure as the bigger issue. \u201cWe\u2019ve been a little bit tentative. These pitches are also pretty challenging as every side has found out after the Powerplay. It\u2019s really difficult,\u201d Hesson admitted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n