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Asia Cup 2022 predictions: Who will win the tournament?

Charbel Coorey
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Asia Cup 2022 predictions: Who will win the tournament?

Cricket News: Asia Cup 2022 predictions: Who will win the tournament? | Who will win Asia Cup 2022? A look at some big predictions

Asia’s best will go head-to-head in a highly-anticipated 2022 Asia Cup in the UAE, the first since 2018. Given the cricket-crazy nations on show, it would do the 2022 Asia Cup injustice to simply call it preparation for the T20 World Cup.

While all the teams competing in the World Cup will want to get their game right for the showpiece event in Australia, the opportunity to be champions of Asia is a very special goal to achieve. A number of star players will be on deck to deliver, and it promises to be a cracking tournament where plenty is at stake.

Asia Cup 2022 predictions

Here are CricBlog’s predictions for the Asia Cup 2022, namely the top run-scorer, top wicket-taker, Super 4 and winner.

Most runs: Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Babar Azam’s consistency and superb record in the UAE is hard to ignore. In 17 T20Is in the UAE, the Pakistan captain has struck 695 runs at an average of 53.46 and strike rate of 120.66, with eight fifties.

What’s interesting is Babar’s poor record against Sri Lanka (79 runs in six innings, avg. 15.80) and Bangladesh (93 runs in five innings, average 23.25. However, he has the class, ability and form to turn these numbers around should they meet in the Super 4 stage.

Another strong contender is India’s Rohit Sharma. Dushmantha Chameera (six dismissals in 32 balls) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (dismissal first ball in last year’s World Cup) have caused issues for Rohit in the past. However, both pacers are out with injury, and Rohit’s attacking mindset can lead to a big tournament for him.

Most wickets: Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

Wanindu Hasaranga’s brilliant rise over the past two years has seen Sri Lanka improve as a unit. Expect the legspinner to have an excellent Asia Cup campaign, especially given Bangladesh and Afghanistan have the tendency to lose quick wickets in the middle overs.

Hasaranga will come into this tournament with 39 wickets under his belt in just 25 T20s this year. This includes 26 in IPL 2022, which is the equal second-most ever by a spinner in a single season.

Super 4: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan

India and Pakistan will qualify out of Group A. Group B looks more competitive on paper, with each of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh capable of qualifying to the Super 4 stage.

However, Bangladesh have made the least progress in T20Is, with their latest assignment a disappointing 2-1 loss in Zimbabwe. Shakib Al Hasan, the captain, has low expectations of his side, seeking improved performances rather than focusing on what the outcome might be.

Both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, while flawed, look to have more going for them. The Lions had a promising 2021 T20 World Cup campaign where the likes of Charith Asalanka starred, while Afghanistan have the experience and spinners to cause problems in UAE conditions.

Winner: India

India will win the Asia Cup, as they have the resources and depth to best overcome their challenges.

The first is the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who is indeed a big loss. However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s form up top is a big plus, and Arshdeep Singh has all the skill to deliver at the death. and that is before we look at the quality of their spinners.

The second is KL Rahul’s lack of cricket. While this is a concern, there is time to find his best form by the time the tournament reaches its business end. The same applies to the great Virat Kohli, who is seeking a turnaround in fortunes after a tough period.

All in all, India look to have the best depth, supported by an excellent, attacking approach in T20I cricket in 2022. The likes of Rohit, Suryakumar Yadav and the excellent all-round ability of Hardik Pandya gives India a superb platform to play off in search of their eighth Asia Cup title.

Should Australia play both Smith & Labuschagne in ODIs?

Tarkesh Jha
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Should Australia play both Smith & Labuschagne in ODIs?

Cricket News: Can Australia play both Smith & Labuschagne in ODIs? | Marnus Labuschagne looking to nail down ODI spot

Batsman Marnus Labuschagne is eager to adapt to the middle-order to fit in Australia’s One Day International (ODI) setup.

The 28-year-old could garner only 116 runs in five innings at an average of 23.20 in five games in Australia’s previous ODI series in Sri Lanka. Labuschagne confesses that he wished to apply his batting methodologies from the Test format a more in ODIs.

“Looking back on it, I certainly wish I’d played a slightly different way. I almost started a little too defensively so I’m just reviewing my theories there and wished I’d applied my Test method a little bit more in those conditions; sweeping the ball, using my feet a little more. It was a bit disappointing from my end, that I didn’t really do that until the Test series came. For me, it’s a learning experience,” he was quoted in a report by ESPNCricinfo.

Marnus Labuschagne looking to take off in ODI cricket alongside Steve Smith

Whilst Labuschagne has been a revelation in Test cricket, his ODI career hasn’t really taken off in a similar pace. He has notched 677 runs in 21 games at an average of 33.85. The batsman has still scored a century along with four half-centuries. However, the dynamics of the ODI XI is such that he has had to adjust to a new role altogether in the middle-order.

“I always like batting in the top order, I’ve spent my whole life there, but understanding the team make-up, batting at No. 5, I need to continue to get better at that role and through the middle overs understanding when to attack and defend,” the batsman told the aforementioned website.

He even applauded the coaching staff for trusting the players to take the game on and put the pressure back on the opposition. However, there exists doubts over whether there is enough space to accommodate both Smith and Labuschagne in the Australian ODI side. The two of them are largely perceived to be very similar batsmen and critics assume that slotting them at number four and five might give a one-dimensional outlook to the Australian batting unit.

Smith has been an instrumental member of the Aussie ODI setup over the years whereas Labuschagne’s exploits in Tests have expedited his inclusion in the 50-over format.

Smith has a career strike rate of 88.43 in ODIs, which is much similar to the 85.80 of Labuschagne. However, the latter strongly believes that the two of them have different approaches and even presented examples of certain games to substantiate his opinion.

“I don’t really see us as similar players, I think we attack the game very differently. [Steve] goes a lot more straight down the wicket, especially against spin, whereas I attack it quite square with sweeps. Obviously, I think there’s room for both of us. Steve got 100 off 60 balls against India in back-to-back games and feel like we complement each other depending on what the situation is,” Labuschagne opened up on the issue.

He added, “If it’s a tough wicket, we can control the middle overs, but on the other side, we can put pressure on the opposition at a lower risk and be able to score quickly. The challenge is we’ve just got to continue to push that run rate, especially when we are batting first, and we both understand that.”

In recent times, there have been criticisms over the sustainability of the ODI format with star players like Moeen Ali and Ravichandran Ashwin speaking up against its viability in the longer run. However, Labuschagne asserted that there’s enough space for the survival of the 50-over cricket. He even suggested that scheduling will play a key role in ensuring the same.

“I love 50-over cricket, it’s a good mix, you need to show some really good tactical nous, understanding your opposition, getting wickets through the middle overs and trying to score at seven or eight runs an over at low risk, that’s a different challenge in itself. I really enjoy the format, there’s space for all three, it’s just about how we schedule it,” the Queenslander was quoted in the report.

Twitter reactions: Shubman, Sikandar, Evans star in ZIM-IND thriller

Tarkesh Jha
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Twitter reactions: Shubman, Sikandar, Evans star in ZIM-IND thriller

Cricket News: Twitter reactions: Shubman, Sikandar, Evans star in ZIM-IND thriller | Twitter reactions to centuries by Gill and Raza

India triumphed over Zimbabwe with a 13-run victory in the third One Day International (ODI) to round up a 3-0 series win on Monday. Set a target of 290, the home side toiled hard to get to 276 courtesy a sublime century by Sikandar Raza.

However, the Indian bowlers struck wickets at timely intervals to ensure that the Zimbabweans couldn’t run away with the game. Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan closed out the game well for India though it appeared to be edging towards a close contest towards the fag end of the innings.

Twitter reactions: Shubman Gill struck first ODI century

Earlier, Shubman Gill struck a fantastic century in the first innings as he took the opposition bowlers to cleaners with his trademark flamboyance and stroke-play. Batting at number three, the 22-year-old scored 130 runs off 97 deliveries, which included 15 boundaries and a solitary six. He was ably supported by Ishan Kishan as the duo put up a 140-run partnership for the third wicket. Kishan scored 50 runs before being run-out in the 43rd over.

However, one of the key takeaways from this game has been the beaming potential in the Zimbabwean ranks. 25-year-old pacer Brad Evans’ impressive five-wicket haul prevented India from getting into a swift momentum and mount a majestic target altogether. In retrospect, it was Evans’ effort that set the stage for Regis Chakabva’s men to make a competitive thriller out of the contest.

Cricblog takes a look at Twitter’s reaction to Gill’s incredible century:

Brad Evans impresses with the ball

However, Twitter was equally appreciative of Evans’ bowling performance too. Some even argued that he should operate as the frontline pacer in the current Zimbabwean attack.

Reactions: Sikandar Raza scores masterful century after Shubman Gill

Throughout the series, there has been plenty of talk over Sikandar Raza spearheading the Zimbabwean batting line-up. He put up a fine display of his flawless prowess with the willow by nearly taking the home side past the finishing line in the chase. The 36-year-old’s 115-run innings arguably showed that there is sufficient talent to be optimised in the current Zimbabwean unit. Let us take a look at certain reactions on Twitter to his innings.

The Indian team will now be heading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Asia Cup that will commence from 27th August onwards.

Will Cricket Australia overturn David Warner’s captaincy ban?

Tarkesh Jha
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Will Cricket Australia overturn David Warner’s captaincy ban?

Cricket News: Will Cricket Australia overturn David Warner’s captaincy ban? | Will David Warner captain in Australia again?

David Warner has requested Cricket Australia (CA) to overturn his lifetime captaincy ban after he signed a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder to return to the Big Bash League (BBL).

The CA had banned Warner from holding a leadership position anywhere in Australian cricket in the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town in 2018.

Thunder will be needing a new skipper in the upcoming season of the BBL as Usman Khwaja has moved to Brisbane Heat. That has opened up a captaincy position for Warner but the current ban bars him from assuming that role even in the BBL.

“That hasn’t really been brought to the table. As I’ve said plenty of times off the record, it’s upon the board to reach out to me and open their doors. Then I can sit down and have an honest conversation with them,” Warner was quoted in a report by ESPNCricinfo.

He added, “The board has changed since back in 2018 and when all those sanctions were dealt. It would be great to have a conversation with them and see where we are at.”

Chance that David Warner’s captaincy ban can be lifted for BBL 12

Thunder have clarified that a call on the club’s captaincy role will be made closer to the commencement of the campaign. On the other hand, Warner made a strong case for himself by asserting that he is already a leader without a title in the setup. He expressed a desire to impart his learnings on the younger crop of players as the southpaw opened up in detail on this issue.

“I’ve got the experience, I’m a leader in the side anyway without having a title. That’s what I’m about, giving back, so if they [younger players] can pick my brains in any way, my phone is always there, they have my number, and they can see me when I’m at the practice facilities,” Warner further outlined his thoughts.

Warner’s demands have also found a supporter in Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins. “I don’t see why not. He’s a brilliant leader. I hope so,” the fast-bowler said upon being asked about the opener’s captaincy ban being overturned at the recent Chappell Foundation Dinner.

Who are the top overseas platinum players in the BBL draft?

Tarkesh Jha
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Who are the top overseas platinum players in the BBL draft?

Cricket News: Who are the top overseas platinum players in the BBL draft? | Top overseas platinum in the BBL draft

Trent Boult, Andre Russell, Jason Roy and Shadab Khan are amongst the latest confirmed platinum players for the overseas draft of the Big Bash League (BBL).

There will be 12 such players who will be paid AU $340,000 irrespective of the number of games that they will be available for. Barring the aforementioned four, the rest of the players include: Faf du Plessis, Liam Livingstone, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Sam Billings, Rashid Khan, Chris Jordan and David Wiley.

Rashid, Jordan, Billings, Shadab and Russell can also be retained by the clubs that they turned up for last season. Shadab and Jordan played for the Sydney Sixers whereas Rashid featured for the Adelaide Strikers. Russell and Billings were a part of the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder respectively.

Top overseas players unlikely to be available for entireity of the BBL

Meanwhile, Wiley and Shadab are the only platinum players to not be involved either in the upcoming South African T20 league or the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based ILT20. The dates for these three tournaments are likely to clash and that will place doubts on the availability of these top-players for the whole duration of the BBL.  

Shadab is also amongst the 40+ Pakistani players to have given in their names for the draft. This is amidst the apprehensions over the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) granting a no-objection certificate (NOC) to its players for overseas leagues. Perhaps that explains that absence of other all-format stars like Babar Azam, Mohammed Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi from the 279-member strong draft list of the BBL.

Some of the other Pakistani players who have put in their names for the list include Wahab Riaz, Mohammed Amir and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Boult is expected to be amongst the top picks from the draft whereas Russell and Rashid could be retained by Stars and Strikers respectively. 26 players are available for retention and they can decide the band that they will like to slot themselves in. For example, James Vince (Sixers) and Mujeeb ur Rahman (Brisbane Heat) are likely to be a part of the gold category in the draft process, ESPNCricinfo reports.

England tour of Pakistan 2022 schedule

Charbel Coorey
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England tour of Pakistan 2022 schedule

Cricket News: England tour of Pakistan 2022 schedule | Pakistan vs England 2022 series schedule and dates

England will tour Pakistan for the first time since 2005 for seven T20Is and three Tests. The T20Is will be played as preparation for the T20 World Cup, before the tourists will return to Pakistan for the three Tests following the showpiece tournament in Australia.

Pakistan vs England 2022 schedule

  • First four T20Is: September 20, 22, 23 and 25 at Karachi
  • Next three T20Is: September 28, 30 and October 2 at Lahore
  • First Test: December 1-5 at Rawalpindi
  • Second Test: December 9-13 at Multan
  • Third Test: December 17-21 at Karachi

The first four T20Is will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi from September 20. The final three T20Is will then be played in Lahore from September 28.

England will then be back in Pakistan for the Tests which begins on December 1 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Rawalpindi hosted a bore draw between Pakistan and Australia that broke records for all the wrong reasons. Karachi, where the third Test will be played, hosted a Test in the same series where Pakistan batted 171.4 overs to save the second match.

Multan will host its first Test since 2006 where Pakistan played West Indies. The great Brian Lara scored 216, followed by 191 by the classy Mohammad Yousuf. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted West Indies in three ODIs, all won by the home side.

England tour music to Pakistani fans’ ears

A year ago, England cancelled their tour of Pakistan after New Zealand cancelled theirs on the same day as the first ODI. It left Pakistani officials and fans heartbroken and disappointed, but cricket has since thrived in Pakistan, and England’s visit is sure to be met with plenty of excitement.

Will David Warner play in the BBL?

Tarkesh Jha
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Will David Warner play in the BBL?

Cricket News: Will David Warner play in the BBL? | Update on whether David Warner will play in the BBL

Australian opener David Warner has signed a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder as he will return to the Big Bash League (BBL) for the first time since 2013. Warner’s contract will be worth as much as that of platinum players in the upcoming draft of the league, i.e., AU $340,000. A part of that amount will be covered under the salary cap of the Thunder whereas Cricket Australia (CA) will take care of the remaining amount.

Back in July, The Australian had reported that Warner had requested the CA to grant him approval to play in the UAE ILT20 league in January. However, the CA has been eager to revitalise the BBL from the coming campaign onwards. The board is also simultaneously engaged in a legal tussle with host broadcasters Channel Seven with the two sides grappling over the quality of the tournament.

The BBL salary cap issue will form a vital part of the negotiations over a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CA and the Australian Cricketers’ Association. Reportedly, the Australian domestic cricketers have been cognisant of the money being paid to overseas cricketers specifically belonging to the platinum category. There are chances that Warner’s lucrative deal will pave the way for substantial salary hikes for other cricketers as well.

David Warner to play in the next two seasons of BBL

“I care deeply about the game, and I am conscious that the conditions that I enjoy as a professional cricketer have largely come from other senior players who have come before me,” the southpaw was quoted in a report by the ESPNcricinfo. He added, “That is how the game is structured and I understand that my contribution to the future of the BBL will hopefully benefit the next generation of players long after I am retired.”

Warner will be available for five regular-season matches from January onwards and then possibly the finals this year. Incidentally, he has featured for the Thunder twice out of the mere three games that he has played in the BBL.

There still exists a cloud of doubt over the availability of top Australian players in the country’s premier T20 franchise tournament.

Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are more than likely to rest during the BBL window. Steven Smith has refused an initial offer from the Sydney Sixers. The former Test skipper will take a decisive call on this issue considering whether he needs some time off prior to the Test tour to India. Meanwhile, the duo of Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head have signed extensions with Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers respectively.

ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs ZIM 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Harare Pitch Report

Apart from some resistance from their tailenders, it was a nightmare outing for Zimbabwe in the first ODI on Thursday. In what was supposed to be an opportunity to put in a big performance, the home side were blown away first by the returning Deepak Chahar, followed by an unbroken 192-run stand between Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan.

Now, India’s biggest priority looks to be time at the crease for KL Rahul ahead of next week’s Asia Cup. Such a need may prompt him to bat first should he win the toss, given the ease in which India took a 1-0 series lead. However, Rahul and India need to combine this need with focusing on the task at hand in this second ODI.

As the tourists eye another series win, Zimbabwe are seeking an improved batting display against a step up in class. Last game against India, they crumbled to 110/8 before recovering somewhat to 189. In their last ODI against Bangladesh, they were reduced to 83/9 before reaching 151. If there is any similar batting collapse here, they can kiss any hopes of an upset win goodbye.

ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Possible Playing XI

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

India may open with KL Rahul, especially if they bat second.

India: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Ishan Kishan, 4. KL Rahul (c), 5. Sanju Samson (wk), 6. Deepak Hooda, 7. Axar Patel, 8. Deepak Chahar, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Prasidh Krishna, 11. Mohammed Siraj/Avesh Khan

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Zimbabwe:

  • Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams have crucial roles to play as Zimbabwe’s most experienced players. Raza came into this series in great touch (scores of 117* and 135*) vs Bangladesh, and he averages 40.87 in 38 ODI innings at Harare.
  • Williams has a poor record against India in ODIs: 10 inns, 195 runs, avg. 19.50. Can he contribute with an innings of note in the second match?
  • Regis Chakabva top scored for Zimbabwe in the opening ODI (35). The Zimbabwe skipper has scored 496 runs in 16 ODI innings at an average of 33.06 and strike rate of 81.04 at Harare.
  • Richard Ngarava has hit scores of 34* and 34 in his last two ODIs. However, Zimbabwe need wickets and Ngarava’s battle with Shubman Gill is one to watch. Gill has been dismissed once by left-arm seam for 18 runs in 28 balls so far in ODIs.

India:

  • Speaking of Shubman Gill, he is in fine form. His 82* in the first ODI follows scores of 64, 43 and 98* against West Indies.
  • In 343 balls faced in ODIs to date, Gill has hit 39 boundaries at an overall average of 67.2 and strike rate of 98.00.
  • Shikhar Dhawan also followed up his good form in West Indies (168 runs, avg. 53.66) with a cruisy 81* on Thursday. Overall against Zimbabwe, Dhawan has scored 294 runs in six matches at 58.80, which includes one fifty and one century.
  • Time at the crease will be key for KL Rahul. The India captain hit 196 runs in three ODIs in Zimbabwe in 2016 at an average of 196.00, including one half-century and one hundred.
  • Deepak Chahar made a successful return (3/27). He will be key upfront again, especially if India bowl first in early morning conditions.
  • Axar Patel has taken 11 wickets in seven ODIs against Zimbabwe, including 3/24 in the first match. He averages 18.90 with an economy rate of just 3.37 against the Zimbabweans. Expect him to have a say again in dry conditions.
  • Prasidh Krishna in ODIs 2022: 10 matches, 18 wickets, avg. 22.00, econ. 4.88. Also, in the seven ODIs Krishna has played where India have batted first, he has taken 14 wickets at an average of 21.78.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 64, India 52, Zimbabwe 10.
  • India have won their past 13 ODIs vs Zimbabwe.
  • Each of Zimbabwe’s batsmen from 5-10 crossed double figures in the opening ODI.

Harare Sports Club Pitch Report and Weather

Another warm and clear day is forecast in Harare. A top of about 29 degrees will greet the players as winter nears its end in Zimbabwe.

With such dry conditions and a number of matches played at Harare recently, there may be some spin on offer and the surface could be on the slower side.

Nonetheless, expect Zimbabwe to choose to bowl if they win the toss as they did in all three recent ODIs against Bangladesh. For India, they may look to bat to give their batsmen time at the crease.

ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction 20 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:

ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs ZIM 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Harare Pitch Report
ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs ZIM 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Harare Pitch Report
ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-Keepers: Regis Chakabva
  • Batsmen: Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill
  • All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, Axar Patel
  • Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna

ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Match Prediction: Who will win?

India should be too strong once again.

Bangladesh could open with Mushfiqur Rahim in Asia Cup

Tarkesh Jha
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Bangladesh could open with Mushfiqur Rahim in Asia Cup

Cricket News: Bangladesh could open with Mushfiqur Rahim in Asia Cup | Mushfiqur Rahim may open in the 2022 Asia Cup

Bangladesh might shake-up their batting lineup by opening with Mushfiqur Rahim in the upcoming Asia Cup. The team management is reportedly unwilling to shift Afif Hossain away from the number four slot. Accordingly, they will try and accommodate Mushfiqur at the top in the absence of the injured Liton Das.

Anamul Haque and Parvez Hossain are the other couple of opening options picked in the team’s 17-member squad for the tournament. Apparently, Nayeem Sheikh and Soumya Sarkar were not considered for the opener’s slot due to their drawbacks against spin bowling. Meanwhile, Mushfiqur’s proficiency against both pacers and spinners make him the ideal fit for the position in the eyes of the think-tank.

Thinking of promoting Mushfiqur in the Asia Cup due to experience – Bangladesh team director

“We are thinking of promoting Mushfiqur at the top in the Asia Cup because he is vastly experienced in handling spin and pace and we feel he can be a very good option,” Bangladesh team director Khaled Mahmud was quoted in a report by Cricbuzz.

He added, “We had the option of picking Nayeem and Soumya but didn’t go for them as their ability to handle spin is not that great. Parvez is there but we need to see whether he can handle spinners like Mujeeb or Rashid or not.”

Mushfiqur has a partly average of 19.93 at a strike rate of 115.53 across 91 T20I innings. He has opened the batting only once and scored merely five runs in that particular match against Afghanistan. However, he boasts of a comparatively better scoring rate, i.e., 146.15, in the four matches that he has batted at number three. There is a general consensus that his abilities will be best optimised at the opening slot and the management might explore that option in order to reinvigorate their fortunes in the T20 format.

“If we feel that Mushfiqur looks to be the best option we might go with him and I think it can be a good move for him as well considering he will be getting 120 balls and if he gets going from the start, we are likely to post a big total on the board,” Mahmud further told the aforementioned publication.

Afif Hossain expected to bat at number four

Further, the management is insistent on sticking with Afif Hossain at the two-down position. The 22-year-old averages 31.20 at a strike rate of 108.33 in the six innings that he has batted at number four in T20Is. The team is harbouring the hope that Afif can replicate his recent form coupled with his exploits in the ODI format to make the spot his own in the coming T20Is.

“We are thinking Afif in a specific role and he is a dynamo. I think he is very confident and really played well in the last two series and even batted well in the ODIs. We want to give Afif his place because he is our future,” Mahmud explained the rationale behind the thought process.

I would never say that ODIs is getting finished – Rohit

Tarkesh Jha
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I would never say that ODIs is getting finished – Rohit

Cricket News: I would never say that ODIs is getting finished – Rohit | Rohit Sharma speaks highly of the ODI format

One Day Internationals (ODIs) have found a solid supporter in Rohit Sharma as the format grapples criticism from several stars like Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Speaking to the Indian Express, the Indian skipper explained the stadiums are jam-packed and the excitement levels are beaming even when teams play ODIs these days. He outlined that picking and choosing formats to turn up in is an individual choice for players. But he outrightly rejected the idea that any form of the game is nearing its end.

Stadiums are full even for ODIs – Rohit Sharma

“For me, cricket is important – whatever be the format. I would never say that ODI is getting finished or T20 is getting finished or Tests are nearing an end. I wish there is another format as well, because for me, playing the game is most important,” Rohit told the aforementioned publication.

He added, “Since childhood, we dreamt of playing the game for India. Whenever we play ODIs, stadiums are full, the excitement remains high. It’s an individual choice as to which format to play or not, but for me, all three formats are important.”

Other stars have different view of ODI format

English Test skipper Stokes’ retirement from the ODI game had sparked a debate over the purported slow demise of the 50-over game. Later on, talking on the Vaughany and Tuffers Cricket Club podcast, Ashwin explained that that ODIs have now just become an extended version of the T20 game. He opined that the ebbs and flows have gone missing from ODIs and that poses a major threat to the format in general.

“I’m an absolute cricket badger, a nut, and I switch off the telly after a point of time, watching the one-day game. That’s frankly very scary for that format of the game, I think. Those ebbs and flows, when they go missing, it’s not cricket anymore, it’s just an extended format of T20,” Ashwin had said in the aforementioned podcast.

Earlier this month, Moeen Ali had lamented the lack of importance given to ODIs amidst the emergence of new T20 franchise leagues across the world. The all-rounder had opined that ODIs are stuck somewhere in the middle of the shortest and the longest versions of the international game.

“At the moment it’s not sustainable in my opinion. Something has to be done because I fear losing the 50-over format in a couple of years because it’s almost like the long, boring one, if that makes sense. It’s almost like you’ve got T20s, you’ve got the Test matches which are great and then the 50 overs is just in the middle – there’s no importance given to it at the moment,” the 35-year-old was quoted in a report by ESPNCricinfo.

The next ODI World Cup is due in merely 14 months but the current cricketing calendar has been largely stuffed with T20I engagements owing to the two World T20s in 2020 and 2021.

However, Rohit’s encouraging comments come on the back of his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan saying that he loves the ODI format. Dhawan is currently in Zimbabwe where India will engage in a three-match ODI series starting from 18th August. The southpaw had a good outing in West Indies when he scored 168 runs across three games and led the side to a 3-0 victory as well. However, Dhawan has had to shelve captaincy responsibilities due to KL Rahul’s return from his long injury-ridden layoff.

CricBlog Future of Cricket Poll

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