Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has pushed back against criticism that spin-friendly pitches at home are poor preparation for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, saying conditions in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will vary and cannot be reduced to the idea of fast, bouncy tracks alone.
Speaking after Pakistan’s win over Australia in the first ODI in Rawalpindi, Mike Hesson said there had been growing chatter around the nature of pitches in Pakistan and whether they were suitable for long-term World Cup planning.
He rejected that view, saying the tournament will not be played in South Africa alone and that venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia are also expected to bring spin into the game.
Mike Hesson said the belief that all pitches in South Africa are quick and bouncy is inaccurate, adding that conditions differ across the country. He pointed to Pakistan’s last ODI series in South Africa, including a match in Paarl, where spin had a major influence on the result.
The Pakistan coach said the team had already carried out extensive research and would use the next 18 months to prepare for a range of conditions rather than build for a single type of surface.
His comments came after Pakistan secured a five-wicket win over Australia on a turning Rawalpindi track, where spinners played the central role.
Debutant Arafat Minhas starred with the ball, taking 5 for 32 in 10 overs as Australia were bowled out for 200 in 44.1 overs despite half-centuries from Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw.
In reply, Pakistan chased down the 201-run target with five wickets down and 45 balls to spare.
Babar Azam made 69 off 94 deliveries, while Ghazi Ghori scored 65 off 92, with the pair putting together a decisive 127-run stand for the third wicket after early setbacks in the chase.
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