Pakistan turn attention to Asia Cup after tri-series success

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha believes his side's recent success in the tri-series against Afghanistan and UAE shows they are capable of winning a third Asia Cup title later this month.

Inspired by a match-winning performance from all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz, Pakistan continued their impressive recent run in the shortest format when they registered an impressive 75-run victory over Afghanistan in the final of the tri-series just days out from the start of the Asia Cup.

It means Pakistan have now won 10 of their last 13 T20I contests since Mike Hesson took over as white-ball coach in May and Ali Agha thinks momentum is building for his side ahead of their first Asia Cup match against Oman on September 12.

"This series was tough for us here in Sharjah, but our focus was always on preparing for the Asia Cup," Ali Agha said during the post-match presentation at the tri-series final

"Of course, we wanted to win, but the bigger goal was preparation.

"As a team, we’ve been building well since the Bangladesh series. We’re in good shape, and I believe we’re fully ready for the Asia Cup."

One player that is shining under Hesson's tutelage is experienced all-rounder Nawaz, who was adjudged Player of the Series across the tri-series for his 12 runs and 10 wickets that included a superb five-wicket haul in the final against Afghanistan.

Nawaz claimed figures of 5/19 to help dismantle Afghanistan's high-profile batting order and became just the third Pakistan men's bowler to claim a T20I hat-trick when he dismissed Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai and Ibrahim Zadran with three consecutive deliveries across two overs to join Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Hasnain and bowlers from the country to have completed the feat.

Ali Agha was full of praise for Nawaz and believes his side is thriving due to the fact of having multiple spin options at his disposal.

"Since his (Nawaz's) comeback, he has been outstanding — delivering with bat, ball, and in the field.

"Whenever we are in tough situations, Nawaz is the kind of player we can rely on.

"There was a lot of talk, even from ex-cricketers and on social media, about playing two spinners.

"But for us, the decision always depends on conditions. We assess the pitch on the day and then decide. Today, playing two spinners worked well."