New Delhi, Sept 25:
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has described India as the current benchmark in white-ball cricket but said his team can put the arch-rivals under pressure if they meet at the Asian Games in Japan.
India and Pakistan cannot meet before the medal stage of the men’s T20 competition. Pakistan will face the runners-up from Group B in the quarterfinals on September 28, while India will meet the second-placed team from Group A on the same day. The teams can meet only in the gold-medal match or the bronze-medal play-off.
Hesson acknowledged India’s recent dominance, with India having won the last six T20Is between the sides. However, he said Pakistan would be prepared to challenge India if the opportunity arises. India are the defending Asian Games champions, having won gold in Hangzhou in 2023.