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BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Asia Cup 2022 Match 3

Charbel Coorey
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BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Asia Cup 2022 Match 3

BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Asia Cup 2022 Match 3 | BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today | Sharjah Pitch Report

After a memorable first outing against Sri Lanka, Afghanistan are on the brink of the Super 4 stage. Such was their dominance that even a narrow defeat against Bangladesh should see them go through. However, the Afghans will be in no mood to let up after such a fantastic display on the opening night of Asia Cup 2022.

Fazalhaq Farooqi sent another reminder of his powerplay prowess. The spinners applied the chokehold in the way they know how. The batting lineup, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, showed they will go hard from the outset to put the pressure back on the opposition.

As a result, it sets things up for a difficult test for Bangladesh. The Tigers continue to struggle in T20Is, and come into this series off the back of a disappointing 2-1 loss in Zimbabwe. In fact, captain Shakib Al Hasan spoke of minimal expectations of his side in this tournament, but whether he believes Bangladesh have a great chance of qualifying for the Super 4 stage after Sri Lanka’s heavy defeat will be on display in Sharjah.

Can Bangladesh’s inconsistent top order overcome Afghanistan’s powerplay bowling? Will the flailing middle order deal with Afghanistan’s spinners? Or will Bangladesh catch Afghanistan off guard with some quality players of their own? An interesting clash awaits.

BAN vs AFG Possible Playing XI

Before the tournament, there were murmurs that Mushfiqur Rahim could open the batting for Bangladesh. If that happens, Afif Hossain is likely to bat at four.

With Litton Das and Nurul Hasan unavailable, Mushfiqur could keep if Bangladesh don’t opt for either Anamul Haque or Parvez Hossain Emon. Also, Mahmudullah’s place has been in doubt in recent times, which could open the door for Sabbir Rahman to return.

Bangladesh: 1. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 2. Mohammad Naim, 3. Shakib Al Hasan (c) 4. Afif Hossain, 5. Mahmudullah/Sabbir Rahman, 6. Mosaddek Hossain/Anamul Haque, 7. Mahedi Hasan, 8. Mohammad Saifuddin/Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9. Taskin Ahmed, 10. Nasum Ahmed, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Afghanistan look settled. They could stick with the same XI that thrashed Sri Lanka, barring any injury or illness. However, Azmatullah Omarzai’s place is in question after conceding 20 in one over.

Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3. Ibrahim Zadran, 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Mohammad Nabi, 6. Azmatullah Omarzai/Usman Ghani, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Karim Janat, 9. Naveen-ul-Haq, 10. Mujeeb ur Rahman, 11. Fazalhaq Farooqi

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Bangladesh:

  • Shakib Al Hasan has the most wickets for Bangladesh against Afghanistan in T20Is (10). He concedes just 5.70 per over and takes a wicket every 18.1 deliveries.
  • Also, given Bangladesh’s batting issues, the Tigers need their captain to deliver with the bat. Shakib has one score of 70* against Afghanistan, but just 67 in his remaining seven innings against them.
  • Mushfiqur Rahim strikes at just 119.85 in 46 innings at number five in T20s, compared 128.56 at four and 133.04 at three. So, there is the temptation to bat him higher.
  • Rahim averages 24.83 in six innings vs Afghanistan at a strike rate of 119.20. His battle with Rashid Khan could be key, as the legspinner has dismissed Mushfiqur twice for 16 runs in 23 balls in T20s.
  • Afif Hossain will be key in keeping things ticking for Bangladesh. He averages 31.20 at number four compared to 19.22 at number five and 18.66 at number six.
  • Nasum Ahmed blew Afghanistan away earlier this year with 4/10. The accurate left-arm spinner is one to watch in Sharjah conditions that may aid spin.
  • Mustafizur Rahman has taken just two wickets in four T20Is vs Afghanistan (avg. 44.00, SR 39.00). However, his cutters can be difficult to play on the usually slow Sharjah pitch.

Afghanistan:

  • Mohammad Nabi has a wealth of experience at Sharjah. The all-rounder has the third-most runs (514) at an average of 27.05 and superb strike rate of 162.66. He also has the second-most wickets (24) at an average of 27.67 and economy of 6.90.
  • Also, Nabi has the most runs for Afghanistan vs Bangladesh (141) at an average of 28.20 and strike rate of 128.18. With the ball, he strikes every 31.2 balls at an economy of 5.34.
  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz was outstanding against Sri Lanka. The opener hammered 40 off 18 balls. In all T20s this year, Gurbaz has smashed 666 runs at an average of 31.71 and strike rate of 163.64.
  • Hazratullah Zazai vs Bangladesh: 4 inns, 113 runs, avg. 37.66, SR 126.96.
  • Rashid Khan has a magnificent record against Bangladesh. The legspinner has taken 14 wickets in just seven matches at an average of 10.28 and economy of 5.53.
  • Also, Rashid has the most wickets of any bowler at Sharjah. He has taken 25 scalps in 19 matches at an average of 18.28 and economy of 6.16.
  • Bangladesh have lost an average of two wickets in each powerplay in T20Is this year. So, the Fazalhaq Farooqi threat is there. Farooqi himself has taken seven wickets in the powerplay in 2022 at an average of 12.3 and economy of just 4.78.
  • Mujeeb ur Rahman vs Bangladesh: 6 matches, 7 wickets, avg. 16.85, econ. 5.13.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 8, Afghanistan 5, Bangladesh 3.
  • The two teams met earlier this year for a two-match series in Bangladesh. The Tigers won the first match by 61 runs. Afghanistan bounced back with an eight-wicket win two days later.
  • Bangladesh have scored just 7.70 runs per over in the powerplay in T20Is in 2022.
  • Mahmudullah has the most runs in BAN-AFG T20Is: 7 inns, 169 runs, avg. 24.14, SR 121.58.
  • Hazratullah Zazai has belted 366 runs in 11 innings at Sharjah at an average of 33.27 and strike rate of 186.73. This includes a century.
  • Ibrahim Zadran in T20s this year (before Asia Cup 2022): 14 inns, 409 runs, avg. 40.90, SR 147.12.

Sharjah Pitch Report and Weather

In last year’s IPL and World Cup, Sharjah had the slowest pitches out of the three UAE grounds. The average first innings score in 21 T20s in 2021 was 143.85, with the chasing team winning 11 times. Interestingly, the team batting first won the last six matches in the 2021 World Cup.

Very hot temperatures are forecast, which will be the case for the entire Asia Cup.

ALSO READ: 4 predictions for Asia Cup 2022

BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction 30 August 2022

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Asia Cup 2022 Match 3 | BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today | Sharjah Pitch Report
Asia Cup 2022 Match 3: BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Asia Cup 2022 Match 3 | BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today | Sharjah Pitch Report
Asia Cup 2022 Match 3: BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-Keepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
  • Batsmen: Najibullah Zadran
  • All-Rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Shakib Al Hasan
  • Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mustafizur Rahman

Asia Cup 2022 Match 3: BAN vs AFG Match Prediction – who will win?

Sharjah doesn’t always favour the chasing team like Dubai usually does. Afghanistan, with their good recent form, look good for a win.

IND vs PAK Twitter reactions: Hardik Pandya produces brilliant all-round display

Charbel Coorey
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IND vs PAK Twitter reactions: Hardik Pandya produces brilliant all-round display

Cricket News: IND vs PAK Twitter reactions: Hardik Pandya produces brilliant all-round display | IND vs PAK: Twitter reactions to India beating Pakistan

India have prevailed in a close, hard-fought contest against archrivals Pakistan. Hardik Pandya was the star, following up his record performance against England last month with another magnificent all-round show in Dubai.

Walking in at 89/4 with 59 needed off 34 balls on a pitch where most players struggled for fluency, Hardik struck a calculated 33* off 17 balls after bouncing the Pakistani batsmen out to finish with 3/25 with the ball. It served a clear reminder as to the importance of Hardik Pandya to this India team, as he produced in the crunch stages to lead India to victory to kick off their 2022 Asia Cup campaign.

“It’s important to asses the situation and use your weapons,” said Hardik after winning the man of the match award. “The hard lengths particularly. But you have to use them wisely.”

“When it comes to batting, the chances I take when executing, I’m likelier to pullit off when I’m calmer. I knew they had Nawaz waiting to bowl, and while we needed 7, even if we needed 15 I would have fancied by chances,” he continued.

IND vs PAK Asia Cup: Twitter reactions after Hardik Pandya leads India to victory

Here are some of the Twitter reactions to Hardik’s superb all-round performance in India’s opening match of the Asia Cup.

India and Pakistan will take on Hong Kong respectively in their remaining match of Group A. Both teams are expected to go through to the Super 4 stage, and will meet again if that is indeed the case.

For Pakistan, it was an encouraging show with the ball on a ground where chasing teams usually dominate. The excellent Naseem Shah led the way with the ball on T20I debut, as he continued to bowl quickly despite suffering cramp in the Dubai heat.

ALSO READ: 4 predictions for the 2022 Asia Cup

BBL Draft: List of players picked up by the eight teams

Charbel Coorey
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BBL Draft: List of players picked up by the eight teams

Cricket News: BBL Draft: Which players were picked for the BBL 12 season? | Which international stars will feature in BBL 12?

The first ever Big Bash League (BBL) draft took place on Sunday evening, bringing about some surprises and insights into how each team thinks ahead of a new season.

All eight BBL clubs opted for availability rather than choosing the biggest names. None of white-ball greats Andre Russell, Faf du Plessis, Jason Roy, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo were picked, with the teams focused on how they could get the best value for money in terms of the number of matches a player is likely to feature given the South Africa, UAE and Bangladesh T20 leagues run at the same time as the BBL.

BBL Draft: Which players were picked?

Adelaide Strikers: Rashid Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Adam Hose

Cricket News: BBL Draft: Which players were picked for the BBL 12 season? | Which international stars will feature in BBL 12?
Cricket News: Rashid Khan was retained by Adelaide Strikers in the BBL draft.

Melbourne Stars tried to pick up Rashid Khan as their second pick. However, Adelaide Strikers were having none of it, immediately using their retention on the great Afghan legspinner.

The Strikers also picked New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme and English all-rounder Adam Hose to add extra depth in the middle. Both de Grandhomme and Hose are expected to be available for the majority of the tournament at least.

Brisbane Heat: Sam Billings, Colin Munro, Ross Whiteley

Cricket News: BBL Draft: Which players were picked for the BBL 12 season? | Which international stars will feature in BBL 12?
BBL draft: Sam Billings will play for Brisbane Heat.

Brisbane Heat picked up two experienced, proven internationals in Sam Billings and Colin Munro. As Chris Lynn is no longer with the Heat, Billings and Munro will provide that all-important power and experience to elevate the Brisbane-based team to another level.

The other pick was 33-year old English batsman Ross Whiteley. Whiteley, who normally bats in the middle order, strikes at 141.58 in over 170 T20s.

Hobart Hurricanes: Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf

Cricket News: BBL Draft: Which players were picked for the BBL 12 season? | Which international stars will feature in BBL 12?
BBL draft: Shadab Khan will play for Hobart Hurricanes.

It was a Pakistan-themed evening for the Hobart Hurricanes, picking up three Pakistani players. Hobart, who underwhelmed in BBL 11, picked up all-rounders Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf, while also picking up finisher Asif Ali. All three are capable of adding value to the Hurricanes.

Melbourne Renegades: Liam Livingstone, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Akeal Hosein

Cricket News: BBL Draft: Which players were picked for the BBL 12 season? | Which international stars will feature in BBL 12?
Liam Livingstone will move from Perth Scorchers to Melbourne Renegades.

Melbourne Renegades, who finished bottom of the table in BBL 11, arguably won the BBL draft. In the first pick of the evening, they landed superstar Liam Livingstone, followed by spinners Mujeeb ur Rahman and Akeal Hosein.

Given the Renegades play their home games on the typically slow surface of Marvel Stadium, these picks look strong on paper.

Melbourne Stars: Trent Boult, Luke Wood, Joe Clarke

Cricket News: The future, now? Trent Boult to be released from NZ central contract | New Zealand set to release Boult from central contract
Trent Boult will play for Melbourne Stars in BBL 12

Melbourne Stars opted for two left-arm seam options, including the world class Trent Boult. Boult will add great experience to a Stars’ lineup that has struggled with the ball in recent seasons. The experienced Luke Wood should also add good value.

Also, the Stars opted for Joe Clarke, who impressed in BBL 11. Expect the Englishman to take the gloves and potentially open once again.

Perth Scorchers: Phil Salt, Tymal Mills, Laurie Evans

Perth Scorchers retained Laurie Evans

Perth Scorchers retained Laurie Evans, who was crucial to their title last season. They also picked up the hard-hitting Phil Salt and versatile Tymal Mills, who will be key at the death.

These additions will go nicely with the Scorchers’ already strong squad.

Sydney Sixers: Chris Jordan, James Vince, Izharulhaq Naveed

Cricket News: 6 England players to leave BBL 11 on January 7 | ECB requests that 6 England players leave the BBL earlier than planned
James Vince has been brilliant for Sydney Sixers

It is no surprise that Sydney Sixers fought to keep James Vince. The Englishman has been superb over the past couple of seasons for the men in magenta.

The Sixers also picked up Chris Jordan, who will be key at the death and in the field. Also, they picked up 18-year old Afghan legspinner Izharulhaq Naveed, who has taken 12 wickets in 10 T20s to date at an economy rate of 6.56.

Sydney Thunder: David Willey, Alex Hales, Rilee Rossouw

Alex Hales will remain with Sydney Thunder.

Sydney Thunder are also a contender for BBL draft winner. Alex Hales will don the green once again, and the Thunder also picked up the experienced David Willey and Rilee Rossouw.

Willey is expected to partner fellow left-arm seamer Daniel Sams well in the powerplay in particular. Rilee Rossouw is having a brilliant 2022 in T20s, and can be expected to make an impact for the Thunder.

IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Asia Cup 2022 Match 2

Tarkesh Jha
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IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Asia Cup 2022 Match 2

IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Asia Cup 2022 Match 2 | IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Today | Dubai Pitch Report

India will face Pakistan in the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday to kick off their Asia Cup campaign. Irrespective of a rather muted build-up, the contest continues to attract peerless attention from the masses, especially given the bragging rights at stake.

India will be eagerly looking forward to make amends from their performance in the loss against the arch-rivals in last year’s T20 World Cup. The defeat hurt India significantly, and was one that they couldn’t bounce back from initially as they suffered another defeat to New Zealand.

So, as India return to the UAE, they will be keen to implement their renewed approach this year. This could especially be the case as Shaheen Shah Afridi is out injured, but Pakistan’s batting lineup will equally relieved that Jasprit Bumrah is out for India.

The key question will be whether either team can overcome the trend of chasing teams dominating at Dubai. Afghanistan were the latest to do so, so the team batting first needs to build momentum.

IND v PAK Possible Playing XI

India will have to take a call on sacrificing their bowling depth to include Dinesh Karthik in the playing XI. That seems to be the sole decisive call waiting to be made. The rest of the lineup picks itself otherwise. 

India: 1: Rohit Sharma (C), 2: KL Rahul, 3: Virat Kohli, 4: Suryakumar Yadav, 5: Rishabh Pant (WK), 6: Hardik Pandya, 7: Ravindra Jadeja, 8: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9: Arshdeep Singh, 10: Avesh Khan, 11: Yuzvendra Chahal

Pakistan will test some of their alternative bowling options in Shaheen’s absence. The other objective in sight will be to brush up their middle-order amidst the lack of T20Is that they have played this year.

Pakistan: 1: Babar Azam (C), 2: Mohammed Rizwan (WK), 3: Fakhar Zaman, 4: Iftikhar Ahmed, 5: Asif Ali, 6: Khushdil Shah, 7: Shadab Khan, 8: Haris Rauf, 9: Naseem Shah, 10: Shahnawaz Dahani/Mohammad Hasnain, 11: Usman Qadir/Mohammad Nawaz

Key Players To Watch Out For

India:

  • With an incredible average of 77.75 in seven T20Is against Pakistan, Virat Kohli will be a vital cog in the batting lineup irrespective of his current run of form. 
  • Suryakumar Yadav will be eyeing the top spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings. The 31-year-old has come into his own in the format with a career average and strike rate of 37.33 and 175.46 after 23 T20Is.
  • The team will be expecting some late fireworks from Ravindra Jadeja. The southpaw has recorded an average and strike rate of 55.33 and 146.90 respectively in T20Is in 2022. 
  • The Asia Cup has presented a fine opportunity for Arshdeep Singh to strengthen his claim for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad. With nine wickets in six games, Arshdeep has started off well with an economy rate of 6.34 so far.
  • Also, Arshdeep has a superb record in T20s at Dubai. He has taken 17 wickets in just seven matches at an average of 12.94 and strike rate of 9.12.
  • The tracks on offer in the United Arab Emirates will have assistance in offer for the slower bowlers. Yuzvendra Chahal’s proficiency in the middle-order will hold the key for India to unravel the Pakistani batting lineup.
  • Chahal has taken 19 wickets in 12 T20s at Dubai at an average of 16.47 and strike rate of 14.84.

Pakistan:

  • Sitting atop the ICC Men’s T20I rankings, Babar Azam is the pillar that holds the entire Pakistani batting order together. Babar scored 939 runs including nine half-centuries and a solitary century in 26 T20I innings last year. He has played only a single T20I in 2022 but his rich vein of form from other formats is likely to translate into the 20-20 game as well. 
  • Babar struck 68* off 52 balls vs India last year. Also, he has the most runs of any player in T20s at Dubai: 31 inns, 1043 runs, avg. 35.97, SR 113.86.
  • Shadab Khan has time and again shown a tendency to pick wickets in the middle-overs. The proficiency of the Pakistani pace unit makes it imperative upon the Indians to shoot up the scoring rate in the middle-overs. Shadab’s skills will come into fore particularly then. 
  • Mohammad Rizwan has played a fine foil to Babar at the top since last year. Rizwan smashed 79* off 55 balls vs India last year.
  • Shahnawaz Dahani will be hoping to make the most of this chance in the Asia Cup to prove his mettle in the international circuit. He has taken 48 wickets at a bowling average of 18.20 in 31 T20s over the years. 

Other Key Stats

  • Head-to-Head: Played 9, India 7, Pakistan 2. 
  • KL Rahul hasn’t featured in India’s last 22 T20Is. He last turned up for a T20I way back in November 2021 against New Zealand. 
  • In what is a hallmark of most great batsmen, Babar’s averages across the first the second innings of T20Is are relatively similar, i.e. 47.22 and 43.28 respectively. 
  • Naseem Shah hasn’t debuted in T20Is for Pakistan so far. He originally replaced the 49 T20I-veteran Hasan Ali in the squad before the latter came back to fill in for Shaheen Shah Afridi. 
  • Dinesh Karthik is the only player likely to play in this game who was also a part of the first-ever T20I that the two sides played back in 2007.

Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report And Weather

The average score batting first in 76 T20Is in the stadium is a partly 142. Chasing teams dominated last year’s World Cup in Dubai, and that was the case in the first match of the Asia Cup as Afghanistan smashed Sri Lanka.

On the other hand, a clear weather with the temperature hovering around 36 degree Celsius is expected during the time of the game.

IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction 28 August 2022

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Asia Cup 2022 Match 2 | IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Today | Dubai Pitch Report
Asia Cup 2022 Match 2: IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Asia Cup 2022 Match 2 | IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Today | Dubai Pitch Report
Asia Cup 2022 Match 2: IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Batsmen: Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Suryakumar Yadav
  • Wicket-Keepers: Mohammad Rizwan
  • All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya
  • Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Haris Rauf, Yuzvendra Chahal

Asia Cup 2022 Match 2 IND vs PAK Match Prediction: Who will win?

India will most probably come out triumphant given that they have been more in touch with the T20I format than their Pakistani counterparts this year. Ultimately, it could come down to who wins the toss and bowls, but India’s fast approach batting first this year can hold them in good stead.

India squad analysis for Asia Cup 2022: Eighth title?

Vaibhav Tripathi
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India squad analysis for Asia Cup 2022: Eighth title?

Cricket News: India squad analysis for Asia Cup 2022: Eighth title? | Will India win the 2022 Asia Cup?

Having won the prestigious tournament on seven occasions, defending champions India will be confident heading into the 2022 Asia Cup. Without a shadow of a doubt, India will start the multi-nation event as the favourites to win it for the eighth time. But, every new season brings challenges and the Indian team has a huge task ahead of them in the upcoming tournament. The Men in Blue are going through a transitional phase and trying to embrace the new fearless approach under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.

India have named a strong 15-player squad for the six-team tournament, with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and fellow quick Harshal Patel the only big names missing – both due to injury. Without two of their specialist T20 bowlers already out of the competition, a depleted Indian side will be looking to claim another title. However, it will not be easy for the Rohit Sharma-led side as other teams will pose a real challenge to them.

So, can India defend their title again this year?

To find the answer, first of all, we take a look at the squad of the squad team for the coveted tournament.

Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Deepak Hooda, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan.

By the looks of it, the squad looks like a good blend of youth and experience. But further analysis of the team might give us a better idea of the chances of the team in the tournament.

India squad analysis Asia Cup 2022: Strengths

A formidable batting order

When one talks about India, the strength is often the batting. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul undoubtedly form one of the best white-ball opening pairs in world cricket right now. The duo have been absolute beasts in their way, and have left a path of staggering numbers.

Even though both haven’t batted together in recent times, having played so much cricket together in the past, they will be confident in setting the tone for their team upfront with the willow. Virat Kohli’s form has been the talk of the town, especially after a horror run in the England tour. Despite struggling with form, the team will bank on their star batter to come good as Kohli has proven himself time and time again in big tournaments.

While the top order, in particular, remains India’s primary strength, the middle order has come good, particularly after the IPL 2022. India’s highest-ranked T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav has been a revelation since his inception in the side. Dinesh Karthik’s comeback has solved India’s finishing problems. Apart from these, India also have Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja in their ranks which makes the batting line-up look even more formidable.

Cricket News: India squad analysis for Asia Cup 2022: Eighth title? | Will India win the 2022 Asia Cup?
India squad analysis for Asia Cup 2022: India have been brilliant in Asia Cup 2022.

Two in-form All-rounders in Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja

Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are two of the biggest assets of the Indian team at the moment and they will be the difference makers in the tournament. Both are unique in their own way but very effective when it comes to field operations.

While Hardik has been a sensation with the bat and ball since his return to the national team, Jadeja has proven his worth as a genuine all-rounder who can play according to the conditions. The good part about both the players is they are adaptive to situations and their game understanding has developed well over the years. The duo lends balance to the team which gives Rohit Sharma the luxury to play an extra batter or bowler.

A talented crop of spin bowlers

Spin has always been India’s traditional strength and the sluggish tracks in the UAE have assisted the spinners in the past.  The spinners have a defining impact in the middle overs in T20 cricket and India relies heavily on the spin attack which features Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravi Bishnoi to wreak havoc in overs 7-15.

Backup options

India’s bench strength has been very strong over the last few years. The players who will be missing out on selection in the playing XI should consider themselves unlucky just because every single member of the Indian squad has earned their places on the back of strong performances in the IPL and the following bilateral series against South Africa, England, and Ireland. In all likeliness, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Deepak Hooda, and Ravichandran Ashwin will be benched at least for the first game.

All these players have performed well and if given an opportunity then can prove their mettle against the top Asian sides.

India Asia Cup 2022 squad analysis: Weakness

Inexperienced bowling attack

India’s pace battery will be on the lighter side due to the notable absence of India’s best all-format bowler Jasprit Bumrah and death-overs specialist Harshal Patel. Although it provides a great opportunity for young pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan to make their mark, their lack of experience in the international circuit might hurt India’s chances.

India have three frontline fast bowlers in Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan with Hardik Pandya being the all-rounder. Arshdeep and Avesh have no prior experience of playing in a multi-nation tournament like the Asia Cup.

The inexperience of the pace unit and lack of game time in a continental tournament like the Asia Cup might haunt India during the tournament in pressure situations.

If Indian pacers come good then India will find themselves in a good position to win their third consecutive Asia Cup title and their eighth overall.

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Townsville Pitch Report

For the first time in nearly two years, Australia will line up for a home ODI. For the first time in nearly 18 years, it will be Zimbabwe.

Originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to COVID-19, Zimbabwe will finally get a taste of playing Australia in Australia. Conditions, however, are likely to be quite unusual for matches in this country, with spin likely to play a key role at the Riverway Stadium in Townsville.

Such conditions may help Zimbabwe as opposed to a fast, pacy track. In fact, they won their last ODI against Australia back in 2014 in conditions that suited spin in Harare. Expecting them do the same here against a near full-strength Australia side is a tough ask, but the Zimbabweans have ODI matches under their belt in recent times, whereas Australia are aiming to hit their groove right away.

In recent assignments, Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh 2-1 and pushed India all the way in the recent third ODI. If Sikandar Raza can continue his recent form, coupled with controlled efforts from the bowlers, anything is possible.

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Possible Playing XI

Australia could play two specialist spinners in Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar at Townsville. Pat Cummins is unavailable as he is rested.

Australia: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. David Warner, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Alex Carey (wk), 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Glenn Maxwell, 8. Ashton Agar/Sean Abbott, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Adam Zampa

In a boost for Zimbabwe, lead seamer Blessing Muzarabani is back. However, Craig Ervine, Tendai Chatara and Wellington Masakadza are all unavailable due to injury.

Zimbabwe: 1. Innocent Kaia, 2. Takudzwanashe Kaitano, 3. Sean Williams, 4. Tony Munyonga/Wessley Madhevere, 5. Sikandar Raza, 6. Regis Chakabva (c & wk), 7. Ryan Burl, 8. Luke Jongwe, 9. Brad Evans, 10. Richard Ngarava, 11. Victor Nyauchi

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Australia:

  • It’s a big series for Aaron Finch as he aims to find top form. The skipper averages 39.26 in 50 home ODIs with eight 50s and eight 100s.
  • In 2018, Finch smashed 172 in a T20I vs Zimbabwe. Blessing Muzarabani and Ryan Burl played in that match.
  • David Warner averages a strong 46.71 in 58 home ODIs at a strike rate of 100.26. He hits a 50+ score every three innings on average in Australia.
  • Steve Smith will be aiming for a big series, especially when it comes to freeflowing strokeplay with doubts around his place in the T20 team. Smith averages 53.87 in 50 home ODIs, with nine fifties and eight hundreds.
  • If Australia bats first and provides a platform, watch out for Glenn Maxwell. He strikes at 131.53 in ODIs where Australia bats first. Also, he had a strike rate of 140.35 in the five ODIs against Sri Lanka earlier this year.
  • Zimbabwe will have to guard against Mitchell Starc, an ODI great. Starc is just five wickets away from 200 in ODIs, with this set to be his 100th match.
  • Adam Zampa returns for Australia after missing the Sri Lanka tour. Since the start of 2020, Zampa has taken 38 wickets in 19 ODIs at an average of 23.97.

Zimbabwe:

  • Sikandar Raza holds the key to Zimbabwe’s hopes. The all-rounder is in career-best form, with three hundreds in his last six ODIs. This includes a superb 95-ball 115 against India last week.
  • Sean Williams is also key with his experience. He looked good in his last ODI, where he scored a 46-ball 45 vs India.
  • Brad Evans had a terrific series against the Indians with bat and ball. The pacer took 5/54 in the last ODI, and also scored runs down the order: 33*, 9, 28.
  • Blessing Muzarabani will be aiming to test the Aussies with his height. Also, he has the ability to take the ball away from the left-handers, so his battle with David Warner could be interesting.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 30, Australia 27, Zimbabwe 2, 1 N/R.
  • The last time these two teams met in an ODI was in 2014. Zimbabwe won by three wickets.
  • Marnus Labuschagne has scored 337 runs at an average of 84.25 across one List A match and two Sheffield Shield matches on this ground.

Riverway Stadium Townsville Pitch Report and Weather

Marnus Labuschagne expects the Townsville track to provide some assistance to the spinners, particularly as the series goes on. Last season, Queensland beat Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield on this ground, and spinner Matt Kuhnemann took ten wickets in the match.

In four List A matches on this ground, spinners concede 5.25 runs per over compared to 5.81 by the pacers.

The forecast for Townsville is partly cloudy with a top of 26 degrees.

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction 28 August 2022

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Townsville Pitch Report
AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Townsville Pitch Report
AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-Keepers: Regis Chakabva
  • Batsmen: David Warner, Steve Smith
  • All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, Glenn Maxwell
  • Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Match Prediction: Who will win?

Australia to win.

SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11: Asia Cup 2022 Match 1

Charbel Coorey
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SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11: Asia Cup 2022 Match 1

SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11: Asia Cup 2022 Match 1 | AFG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | Dubai Pitch Report

The highly anticipated 2022 Asia Cup is here. The very best the continent has to offer, barring injuries, will be seeking to hit their best form not only as T20 World Cup preparation, but the chance to be crowned Asia’s best.

Before India and Pakistan do battle on Sunday, there is a crucial match to kick off the tournament. Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are in what looks a very competitive Group B along with Bangladesh. The team who loses this clash will see their Super 4 hopes take a hit, while victory increases confidence and just about puts one foot in the next stage.

There is a lot to look forward to in this clash. Sri Lanka are ever improving in white-ball cricket, pushing Australia close in the T20Is at home earlier this year (2-1 defeat) before winning the ODIs. Afghanistan suffered a series loss in Ireland recently, but whether that result spurs them on or impacts their confidence remains to be seen.

SL vs AFG Possible Playing XI

Dushmantha Chameera is unavailable due to injury. So, ‘baby Malinga’ Matheesha Pathirana could play.

Sri Lanka will be best served playing Kusal Mendis as opener. He averages 34.38 with a strike rate of 138.39 when opening compared to an average of 11.24 and strike rate of 98.75 when not.

Sri Lanka: 1. Kusal Mendis (wk), 2. Pathum Nissanka, 3. Charith Asalanka, 4. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 5. Dhananjaya de Silva, 6. Dasun Shanaka (c), 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Chamika Karunaratne, 9. Maheesh Theekshana, 10. Praveen Jayawickrama, 11. Matheesha Pathirana

One key question for Afghanistan is the all-rounder position. Azmatullah Omarzai was preferred in the recent series in Ireland, but Karim Janat is an option. So too 34-year old Samiullah Shinwari, who is a leg-spinning option.

Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3. Ibrahim Zadran, 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Mohammad Nabi (c), 6. Usman Ghani, 7. Azmatullah Omarzai/Samiullah Shinwari, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Naveen-ul-Haq, 10. Mujeeb ur Rahman, 11. Fazalhaq Farooqi

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sri Lanka:

  • Charith Asalanka was one of the standout performers in the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE. The left-hander struck 231 runs in six matches at an average of 46.20 and strike rate of 147.13.
  • Pathum Nissanka scored three half-centuries in eight matches at last year’s World Cup in the UAE.
  • Dhananjaya de Silva is one to watch with bat and ball. The off-spinner may be utilised early and against Afghanistan’s left-handers. With the bat against legspin in T20Is, he has scored 117 runs in 109 balls, with five dismissals.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga is a very strong contender for top wicket-taker in this tournament. He will be particularly dangerous against right-handers. He has taken 51 wickets in 36 T20Is against RHB at an average of 11.9 and strike rate of 11.4.
  • Maheesh Theekshana has taken 24 wickets in 21 T20s at an economy rate of just 6.88. Ten of those have come in the powerplay, where he is conceding just 6.91 runs per over.

Afghanistan:

  • Najibullah Zadran is the form batsman. He recently hit 125 runs vs Ireland at a superb strike rate of 164.47. In the Shpageeza League before Ireland, he smashed 397 runs at an average of 56.71 and strike rate of 163.37.
  • Also, Najibullah was Afghanistan’s top scorer in the 2021 World Cup in UAE: 5 inns, 172 runs, avg. 34.40, SR 135.43, 2 50s.
  • Ibrahim Zadran in T20s in 2022: 14 inns, 409 runs, avg. 40.90, SR 147.12.
  • Mohammad Nabi in T20s at Dubai: 19 matches, 269 runs, avg. 33.63, SR 131.86; 20 wickets, avg. 23.15, econ. 7.20.
  • Rashid Khan will be crucial for Afghanistan. Charith Asalanka has been dismissed four times in 49 balls by legspin in T20Is (54 runs), so expect Afghanistan to exploit this head-to-head battle.
  • Also, Pathum Nissanka has scored 40 off 36 vs legspin, with two dismissals.
  • Naveen-ul-Haq took the second-most wickets in the Vitality Blast earlier this year (24 wickets in 14 matches). He also took seven wickets in five T20Is in Ireland recently at a strike rate of 11.8.

Other Stats and Facts

  • This will be just the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Sri Lanka won by six wickets in the 2016 World Cup.
  • Bhanuka Rajapaksa is the kind of player who can take the game away. He is striking at 140.09 in 16 T20s this year, but is averaging just 18.56.
  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz is striking at 160.93 in 24 T20s this year (626 runs, avg. 29.81).
  • Dasun Shanaka hit a memorable 54* off 25 balls in Sri Lanka’s last T20I, against Australia in June.
  • 53.57% of Mujeeb ur Rahman’s total T20 wickets have come when bowling second. Overall in the UAE, Mujeeb has taken 21 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 7.62.

Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

Hot, hot, hot. The top temperature will cross 40 degrees during the day in Dubai, with conditions set to be steamy under lights for this night match.

In terms of the pitch, expect the captain who wins the toss to choose to bowl on a ground that typically favours chasing. In 26 T20s on this ground last year (IPL and T20 WC), the average first innings score was 143.31. The chasing team won an incredible 21 of these matches.

There shouldn’t be too much turn given this is the first match, but a slow wicket brings the very skilled spinners into play. So too cutters from the seamers.

ALSO READ: 4 predictions for Asia Cup 2022

Asia Cup 2022 Match 1: SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction 27 August 2022

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11: Asia Cup 2022 Match 1 | AFG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | Dubai Pitch Report
Asia Cup 2022 Match 1: SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11: Asia Cup 2022 Match 1 | AFG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | Dubai Pitch Report
Asia Cup 2022 Match 1: SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-Keepers: Kusal Mendis
  • Batsmen: Najibullah Zadran, Charith Asalanka
  • All-Rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Wanindu Hasaranga
  • Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Maheesh Theekshana

Asia Cup 2022 Match 1 SL vs AFG Match Prediction: Who will win?

This promises to be a closely fought contest. Sri Lanka, with their experience, start as favourites. But, this one could come down to which team chases. The team batting first will need 160+ to feel safe, you would think.

ICC eyeing $4 billion from media rights from Indian market for 2023-31

Tarkesh Jha
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0
ICC eyeing $4 billion from media rights from Indian market for 2023-31

Cricket News: ICC eyeing $4 billion from media rights from Indian market for 2023-31 | Indian cricket media rights could go for $4 billion

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is aiming to garner close to $4 billion from selling the media rights for 16 men’s and women’s tournaments for the Indian market until 2031. The rights have been unwrapped and different packages will be sold for television (TV) only, digital only along with TV and digital combined this time around.

The ICC will be opening the window to sell the rights for the second four-year period considering that any of the packages are sold for only the first four years.

Disney Star among those in the running for Indian market media rights

The likes of Disney Star, Sony, Amazon, Viacom and Zee are reportedly in the running to claim the bragging rights from these auctions. Several broadcasters have expressed reservations over the bidding process and raised their concerns with the ICC in recent times.

For example, the bids are not going to be shared once they will be opened. The interested parties will not have clarity over the margin of difference between the best bids. This could prohibit a second round of bidding whereas broadcasters have also demanded greater transparency with respect to ICC’s judgment of a four-year bid against an eight-year one.

As per ESPNcricinfo, the ICC addressed these issues by extending the option of a second round of bidding through an e-auction if a bid is within a 10 per cent range of the highest bid. Moreover, a four-year bid will be compared against an eight-year one via a pre-determined multiplier. The ICC will look at the ratio between the best bids for both the tenures. It will be comparing them with a reported multiplier of 2.8.

The ICC will be picking the winner for the eight-year period if its ratio exceeds the multiplier. Provided that the ratio is less, then the winner for the four-year period will be chosen. The ICC is first tapping into the Indian market as the rights for the coming cycle of the Indian Premier League (IPL) concluded merely a couple of months ago.

Disney Star and Viacom strong contenders after landing IPL rights

The global cricketing governing body believes that there will be greater intensity and willingness amongst Disney Star and Viacom to bag the ICC rights given that they recently won the broadcasting and digital rights respectively for the IPL as well. The ICC is aiming to collect a significantly greater amount for the 2023-31 cycle than it did for the preceding ones. The unbundling of the packages coupled with the specific targeting of particular geographical regions are steps taken towards a similar direction.

They have set a ballpark target amount of $1.44 billion and $4 billion (=$1.44×2.8) for the four-year and eight-year deals respectively. Moreover, it is only the benchmark amount that they are expecting to collect from the Indian market. So, the final value of these rights can substantially exceed the aforementioned planned targets.

There is one ICC men’s event scheduled annually for the coming cycle and six of them fall under the Indian time zone. Four of them will take place during the Diwali season and this has shot up the anticipated value of these media rights quite remarkably.

Just to put some context, the ICC collected only $2 billion globally from selling the media rights for its previous cycle. This time around, it is aiming for a figure close to double of that and that too only from the Indian market.

The rights for the women’s game will be sold albeit in a different manner. The highest bidder for the women’s events will have to make a presentation regarding their vision for the growth of female cricket in front of the Media Rights Advisory Group (MRAG). MRAG has been made particularly to adjudicate the bidding and their outlook for the game is supposed to be broadened for the overall game and not just the global events.

Who should be India’s third seamer in the 2022 T20 World Cup?

Tarkesh Jha
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0
Who should be India’s third seamer in the 2022 T20 World Cup?

Who should be India’s third seamer in the 2022 T20 World Cup? | A look at who should be India’s third seamer for the 2022 T20 World Cup

The Indian team is entering the final and its most important preparatory phase prior to the T20 World Cup. The Asia Cup coupled with bilateral T20I series’ vs Australia and South Africa provides the team management an ideal opportunity to zero down upon their final squad for the mega-tournament.

The pace battery will don an instrumental role in Australian conditions. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has shown glimpses of regaining his old mojo in recent times. His performances in the recent tours of England and Caribbean have sparked hopes that he will spearhead the attack with Jasprit Bumrah in the World T20.

Barring any unfortunate injuries, this duo coupled with Hardik Pandya are more than likely to carry out the pace-bowling responsibilities. However, there will be space for another specialist fast-bowler in the XI with Pandya batting higher up and Ravindra Jadeja slotting in at number seven.

Since the previous World Cup, India has played 23 T20Is. Primarily, three bowlers have been experimented with for the third pacer’s position, namely: Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh. The trio have played 17, 13 and six T20Is respectively in the time being and are competing against each other to nail down a World Cup spot for themselves.

What will India be looking for in the third pacer?

It is vital to understand the think-tank’s expectations from the third pacer before finalising one of the three players for the same. Lately, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been solely handed the new-ball responsibilities. There were occasions in the recent series vs West Indies when he didn’t even return for a second spell. It is not as if his death-over bowling credentials are on the wane. He recorded an economy rate of 8.6 in the death overs in IPL 2022.

The Meerut-born pacer was relying a bit overtly on his repertoire of slower deliveries and knuckle balls and that acted to his detriment at times. But Bhuvneshwar has been mixing them well with the traditional yorkers in the last few months and that has perhaps uplifted his skillsets and performances in that phase of the game. So, it is not as if that he would be completely overlooked in the death overs by the Indian team.

Should Harshal Patel get the first chance?

Who should be India's third seamer in the 2022 T20 World Cup? | A look at who should be India's third seamer for the 2022 T20 World Cup
Who should be India’s third seamer in the 2022 T20 World Cup? Harshal Patel has been excellent in the IPL.

But, Rohit Sharma at times tends to give him an extended three-over spell in the powerplay itself and that leaves the space open for another pacer to partner Jasprit Bumrah towards the backend of the innings. That is perhaps the key reason behind the management’s insistence on drafting Harshal Patel into the squad straightaway after the previous T20 World Cup.

With 52 wickets in the last two Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons, Harshal has been a revelation with the old ball. However, there are concerns whether his skillsets would bear the same results in the slightly pacier tracks Down Under, especially as Harshal didn’t return with impressive figures in the recent tour to the United Kingdom (UK). The pacer took five wickets at an economy rate of 9.8 across four games amidst concerns that his skills might be found wanting in overseas conditions.  

Avesh Khan?

That resulted in Avesh Khan being brought into the setup. Avesh acts as an enforcer in the middle-overs and he boasts of an economy rate of 7.25 in that phase of the innings (7-16) in the IPL. Yet, he has a tendency to leak one run too many occasionally in the death. He has conceded runs at an economy of 9.69 in backend of the innings in the IPL. Moreover, he has taken merely 16 death-over wickets in 31 such innings. Teams are likely to double down their attack on the other pacer in Bumrah’s presence and Avesh might arguably be taken to cleaners under those circumstances.

Why Arshdeep Singh looks a terrific option

Enter, Arshdeep Singh.

For long, the Indian side has been in the want for a quality left-arm pacer. A need has been felt to introduce a newer element and angle to the bowling unit. Arshdeep ticks those boxes and he steals the show with his incredible consistent outings towards the backend of the innings.

So far, he has maintained an impressive economy rate of 6.34 in six T20I appearances. But a larger sample size across the IPL shows that he has conceded runs at only 8.78 in the death overs throughout his IPL career.

His skillsets have only enhanced in that phase in recent years, with Arshdeep taking over and excelling in the death-bowling duties for the Punjab Kings last season. His tendency to pin down one yorker after another and use his angles to compress the batsmen of room to play their shots has been widely appreciated.

There have been criticisms over his inability to take consistent wickets but nine dismissals in six T20Is with the aforementioned economy is a good enough record for a player with as little international exposure as him.

Moreover, one shouldn’t overlook his credentials with the new ball either. Arshdeep has the ability to hit the right, hard lengths regularly and that can complement Bhuvneshwar’s swing-bowling very well in the powerplay. This can allow Rohit to push Bumrah’s overs towards the middle and the end phase, thus giving the team management multiple options to work around their bowling repertoire.

Hardik Pandya allows for quality bowling in the middle overs

Cricket News: Hardik Pandya breaks record in the first T20I vs ENG | Hardik Pandya creates history in first IND vs ENG T20I
Who should be India’s third seamer in the 2022 T20 World Cup? Hardik Pandya offers India plenty with the ball.

Further, Hardik’s re-emergence with the ball has further added to India’s bowling strength in the middle-overs. He has been nearly clocking the 140 kmph mark and is likely to optimise the prevalent conditions in Australia to his benefit. The all-rounder has picked eight wickets in 11 T20I innings since IPL 2022 and the range of deliveries that he has to offer has only increased since his comeback this year.

That perhaps ensures that India might not necessarily need Avesh as an enforcer in the middle-overs. In the other two parameters, i.e., at the start and in the death, Arshdeep seems to have more to offer as compared to his other two compatriots. This is definitely with respect to his very little experience in the international stage.

However, Harshal’s current injury might leave him with little time to outrun Arshdeep to claim a spot in the World Cup squad. The last time India lifted a World Cup, it was a left-arm pacer in Zaheer Khan who led the bowling attack with aplomb right throughout the tournament. Though Arshdeep is too young to assume the leadership role per se, can he be the shining star as India looks to potentially break their ICC tournament drought?

Only time will tell.

The possible XIs for each team in Asia Cup 2022

Tarkesh Jha
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The possible XIs for each team in Asia Cup 2022

Cricket News: The possible XIs for each team in Asia Cup 2022 | What are the possible XIs for each team in the Asia Cup?

Asia Cup 2022 is set to commence from 27th August with the Final slated to be played on 11th September in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Six teams, namely: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, UAE and Hong Kong will be participating in the competition.

Teams have already declared their complete squads and CricBlog will be taking a look at the possible playing XI for each side in this article.

Asia Cup 2022: Possible XIs for all teams

India

Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Asia Cup will mark the return of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli to the Indian squad. The think-tank will have to take a call over sacrificing their bowling depth for Dinesh Karthik’s spot in the playing XI. The tournament will also serve as an ideal platform for India to take a call on picking either Avesh Khan or Arshdeep Singh to partner the frontline pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah in the T20 World Cup. But more than anything, all eyes will be set on Virat Kohli’s comeback and his form over the course of the Asia Cup.

Pakistan

Babar Azam (C), Mohammed Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Asif Ali, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani

Pakistan impressed one and all with their performances in the previous T20 World Cup. However, they have played only a single T20I this year. The Asia Cup gives them a good chance to regroup and set in motion their plans for the coming couple of months.

The team will be hoping for their middle-order to click to reduce over-dependence on Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan. The bowling unit will be weakened by the absence of Shaheen Shah Afridi, but the tournament has given them a good opportunity to tick the vacant boxes ahead of the mega-event.

ALSO READ: 4 predictions for Asia Cup 2022

Hong Kong

Nizakat Khan (C), Yasir Murtaza, Babar Hayat, Kinchit Shah, Aizaz Khan, Scott McKechnie, Zeeshan Ali, Haroon Arshad, Ehsan Khan, Mohammed Ghazanfar, Ayush Shukla

Hong Kong’s top-order is in good touch as of now but it will be critical for them to show up with a similar resolve against more fancied bowling units. The bowling will arguably be at the mercy of the batting prowess of their stronger opponents. However, the likes of Ehsan Khan and Ayush Shukla have been amongst wickets in recent times and they will have to cleverly make use of the pitch conditions in the UAE to put the other team in some spot of bother.

Overall, this competition has given Hong Kong a fine chance to test their caliber against some of the most prolific players hailing from the continent.

Afghanistan

Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammed Nabi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqui

The strength of the Afghan batting unit rests in the dynamism of their top-order. Rahmanullah Gurbaz along with Hazaratullah Zazai provide flair to the line-up whereas Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqui will be holding the bowling attack together.

Afghanistan will be hoping to make it to the top four initially and will take it one game at a time from then onwards. The likes of Mujeeb ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-haq have the necessary skillsets to optimise the prevalent conditions in the UAE. However, for their batting to fire is mandatory to ensure that the Afghans attain any form of success in the tournament.

Sri Lanka

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Praveen Jayawickrama, Matheesha Pathirana

Sri Lanka have a fairly versatile bowling unit in place with the likes of Maheesh Theekshana having proven their mettle in top-tier competitions in recent times. However, the Lions will have to overcome Dushmantha Chameera’s absence as he recovers from injury.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka will be expected to provide the acceleration in the middle-overs though Sri Lanka will be hoping for some greater intent-driven contributions from their top-order. There are chances of Sri Lanka roping in Matheesha Pathirana as well given Chameera’s absence.

Bangladesh

Mushfiqur Rahim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Anamul Haque, Atif Hossain, Mahmadullah, Shakib al Hasan (C), Mosaddek Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammed Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Bangladesh is considering opening the batting with Mushfiqur Rahim in the Asia Cup and that can mark a stark shift in the way the team approaches its batting in the competition. Rahim will have the entire innings at his disposal to optimise his potential and that opens the space for Afif Hossain to play an able fiddle in the middle-order.

Taskin Ahmed has been in quite some reinvigorated form since his return and his partnership with Mustafizur Rahman will be one to watch out for. Bangladesh’s spin attack does appear to be slightly light in current circumstances. Whether the players adapt quickly to their new roles and responsibilities under the team management’s fresh T20I plans will determine their success in this competition.

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