By Anjum Chopra The opening match of the Asia Cup in the UAE, Afghanistan decimated Sri Lanka.It was a loud announcement that was made by the Afghanistan team, which indicated the team’s progress, development and potential.
The next day I was asked to select my top three teams for the tournament — the teams most likely to play in the final as well as the players to watch for.
The Asia Cup has always been an intensely-contested event.In spite of the tournament’s format (T20 or 50 over) there has been no nation that has been able to establish a breakaway dominance since the tournament’s beginning.It’s an introduction to the biggest sporting event – the World Cup.
This year’s edition of the Asia Cup too saw players arrive in with an image of being hopefuls or ones to watch out for in the near future.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the Afghanistan wicket-keeper and opening batsman, has been awe-inspiring with every appearance in international cricket.
He is a product of the system of domestic cricket and a part of the Afghanistan U-19 team for World Cup 2018 he was recruited into the team by Gujarat Titians for IPL 2022.
His stroke play gave Afghanistan an fast start against Sri Lanka even when they were trying to score a low total.
With an average strike rate of 163, he is in the fastest line for Afghanistan.
His teammate Fazalhaq Farooqi might not have enjoyed the best end to the event (Naseem Shah struck him with two sixes) however he began his innings with a bang with his left-arm swinging bowling.
The three wickets he took knocked down the Sri Lankan batting order.
Sri Lanka made a massive turnaround after the opening match against Afghanistan.
Few, including me believed they would be a threat, until they defeated Bangladesh out, gaining an impressive 184 in the final over.
The rest is history.
Pathum Nissanka with 173 runs (115 strike rate) and Dilshan Madushanka (six wickets) have stood tall with their respective contributions to Sri Lanka.
For Pakistan producing high-quality fast bowlers is the regular thing.
Naseem Shah with the bat and ball has proven his presence in the fastest format for Pakistan.He has been successful in winning matches with both the bat and ball in his first series.
In the game for Bangladesh, Afif Hossain made an impression with the bat.With his 39 runs off only 22 balls, Sri Lanka bolstered the score for Bangladesh in an important game.He was named vice-captain of fellow left-handed player Shakib Al Hasan he is considered to be one of the future stars of Bangladesh together with Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm seamer of great height from India has seen quite a lot in his brief international career.
From being a part of the India under-19 team that won the World Cup in 2018 , to bowling economic periods in his IPL franchise, Arshdeep has made rapid advancement to become a majorstay in the Indian bowling lineup.On the list of Indian fast bowlers, Arshdeep should find a regular spot.
Each team is in the process of rebuilding.This takes time, particularly when the group of players end their international careers.It’s not possible to fill that gap immediately.That’s why the strength of the bench becomes an important foundation for teams to be able to consistently excel.
The shorter format is played on an even playing field for all teams.Sri Lanka, who were possibly the least favorite to be the winners of the Asia Cup, eventually walked out with the trophy.
They beat Pakistan not just twice, but two times in three days following their victory over India.
The Asia Cup in future will continue to provide opportunities for players who are yet to make their mark and be heard.
So far, congrats Sri Lanka!
(Anjum Chopra was the former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team.The opinions presented here are his personal opinions.)
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