Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
The big Test series is over.
The Asia Cup Qualifiers has seen a big winner (Hong Kong).
Pakistan would be feeling confident, so too Bangladesh after a successful limited overs leg of their recent West Indies tour. Can Sri Lanka improve their ODI woes, or will India flex their muscle? Can Afghanistan, in conditions familiar to them, make the Super Four? How competitive can Hong Kong be? Which players will stand up?
A tournament with a good format, I’m looking forward to seeing how it pans out. The top five nations here will be looking to continue building towards the World Cup, and Hong Kong will look to continue their growth against mighty India and Pakistan.
Predictions are always a challenge, but also so exciting. Here are my five predictions for the tournament. Whether you agree or disagree, leave a comment!
Asia Cup 2018 Prediction 1: Leading run scorer – Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)
The fastest ever to 1,000 ODI runs (yes, with the help of a decimated Zimbabwe side), Fakhar Zaman has been a breath of fresh air for Pakistan in limited overs cricket.
His addition to the side in last year’s Champions Trophy was a masterstroke on their run to glory, and he is a player that can help Pakistan enjoy further success in the ODI format.
There are fantastic players in all teams in this tournament, such as Rohit Sharma, Tamim Iqbal and co., but Fakhar stands out for me as a player who will stand up and score the most runs. I can’t wait to see how he goes.
Asia Cup 2018 Prediction 2: Leading wicket taker – Kuldeep Yadav (India)
This tournament is filled with excellent ODI bowlers.
The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Yuzvendra Chahal, Rashid Khan and Shakib Al Hasan have fantastic know-how when it comes to this format.
However, one bowler I feel will go really well is Kuldeep Yadav. His performances in white ball cricket in England were largely encouraging, and in these conditions, I think he will go very well.
Asia Cup 2018 Prediction 3: Sri Lanka will MISS the Super Four
This is my most controversial prediction.
With two groups of three, the top two sides from each group go through to the “Super Four”. I predict India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will make the final four.
Why do I believe Sri Lanka will miss out?
Their ODI record since the beginning of 2017 makes for grim reading. In 38 matches, they have won just 10. Not only that, a key performer in Akila Dananjaya will be missing for at least the first two matches, and Dinesh Chandimal is out too. Bangladesh and Afghanistan are both very capable of beating Sri Lanka in UAE conditions, and this group could very well see all three teams finish up with one win each.
Boy, the first match of the tournament between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is huge. This prediction is a big call, but I see it happening.
Asia Cup 2018 Prediction 4: India and Pakistan will play each other three times
We have sadly been short of India v Pakistan matches over the last few years, but I believe Asia Cup 2018 will deliver three such matches.
The first will be in the group stage, then Super Four, then the final.
Asia Cup 2018 Prediction 5: Winner – Pakistan
Another potentially controversial prediction, but that’s the beauty of this Asia Cup. Anything can happen.
With Virat Kohli missing, and India relying significantly on the top three with Kohli in the side, I just have doubts over their middle order. Also, a tournament so soon after a long tour of England is not easy, even if not all players were involved in the very recently concluded Test series.
Pakistan are looking confident, and will be hard to beat in their ‘home’ conditions. They have some fantastic youngsters mixed with experienced players, with their main strength being their excellent bowling attack. I believe they will go all the way in the tournament.
Let the games begin!
Your thoughts?
