NEW DELHI: Despite suffering back-to-back comprehensive defeats against India in the ongoing Asia Cup, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson insists that only Sunday’s result will matter, when the arch-rivals meet in an Asia Cup final for the first time in 41 years.

India secured a seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the group stage and followed it up with another convincing six-wicket victory in the Super 4s.

"We 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," Hesson replied to a query about his message to his players ahead of Sunday's final after they comfortably disposed off a meek challenge from Bangladesh by 11 runs in Dubai on Thursday.

India and Pakistan have never faced each other in the final of the Asia Cup since the tournament began in 1984, when it was exclusively held in Sharjah.

Hesson stated that his team "deserved the opportunity" to play in this edition's summit clash.

"So now it's 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's what we've been talking about the whole time," he added.

After steadfastly denying the Indian media so far, Pakistan media manager Naeem Gillani finally made an exception and allowed a question from the travelling group on Thursday.

"Look, my message is we just focus on the cricket and that's certainly what we'll be doing. Those things, you probably know more about than me," he answered to a query as to how the team is reacting to the outside noise and the impending ICC hearings that his players Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf face for provocative gestures during the games against India.

"I deal with the cricket side. In terms of gestures, look, there's always a bit of passion, in terms of when you're in high-pressure games.

"But we will be having our focus on playing a good game and focusing on the cricket, and that's part of my job."

Hesson also doesn't appreciate the notion that his men can't read spinners from the hand and countered this perception saying that one doesn't need to in order to be successful.

"I have heard a number of people say we are not picking the ball from the hand. And I've answered that question before.

"For example, when Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lankan leg-spinner) bowls, we know that he's a googly bowler. And it really has nothing to do with picking the ball from the hand. It's actually being able to play it off the pitch or being able to get your body into a good position."

Hesson believes that not taking good decisions while facing the spinners has been a problem.

"We've been a little bit tentative. These pitches are also pretty challenging as every side has found out after the Powerplay. It's really difficult."

(With PTI Inputs)