Hesson Debunks Pitches ‘Myth’, Says There Will Be ‘Variety’ at ODI World Cup

Pakistan’s head coach, Mike Hesson, has defended the decision to roll out a spin-friendly pitch in Rawalpindi for the first ODI against Australia, which the hosts won handsomely by five wickets.

Spinners Dominate the Opening Match

Spinners dominated the opening match of the three-ODI series, bowling 62.3 overs out of a total 86.4 and taking 11 of the 15 wickets in the match. Pakistan fielded only two fast bowlers and four spinners, while Australia captain Josh Inglis called on the part-time spin of Matt Short, Matt Renshaw, and Marnus Labschagne.

Left-arm orthodox Arafat Minhas took five wickets on debut, becoming the first player from Pakistan to achieve the feat in the format. The pitch, which played slow and low, was heavily criticized, as the next World Cup, almost 16 months away, is expected to be played in conditions more conducive for fast bowling.

Hesson’s Response to Criticism

Hesson, in a post, said that it would not be true for all venues. “I’ve been hearing a bit of chatter about the pitches here in Pakistan not being the ideal preparation for the World Cup in South Africa,” his post said. “Firstly, the World Cup is jointly hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Zimbabwe and Namibia have venues where spin is a big factor and we will be playing matches in those countries.

“The myth of all pitches in South Africa being quick and bouncy are just not true, there are definitely some which are but they also vary throughout the country.”

Pakistan’s Preparation for the World Cup

Pakistan recorded a 3-0 ODI clean sweep in South Africa when they last toured the country in December 2024. Their spinners delivered the win in the opening game at Paarl as they took seven of the eight wickets taken by the bowlers, with Salman Ali Agha’s 4 for 32 being the standout figures.

Hesson reflected on that series and said: “Those that remember the last ODI series Pakistan played in SA which included Paarl where spin dictated the outcome of the match. Rest assured we have competed significant research and will be using the next 18 months to prepare for a variety of conditions.”

Babar’s Presence Made Things Easier for Ghori

Australia are staring at their third straight ODI series defeat against Pakistan and they will have to win the second ODI to keep this series alive. Ghazi Ghori, who scored his maiden half-century in what was only his second ODI and made a crucial contribution in a match-winning 127-run partnership with Babar Azam, said the hosts cannot be complacent.

“They may be without their regulars, but this is an Australian side after all,” Ghori said. “They will look to bounce back and they must have prepared well for this match. We will have to continue to do well to keep a hold on the series.”

Ghazi scored 65 off 92 balls – his highest List A score – batting at number four. He walked in to bat in the 13th over with the scoreboard reading 49 for two as Pakistan chased a meagre 201.

“Babar Azam had been batting before I went in the middle and he told me about the conditions,” Ghori said. “It gives you a lot of confidence when you have a senior batter with you in the middle. Babar is a proven performer and his presence at the crease made things easier for me.”