The Asia Cup Cricket Line-up from Pakistan to Nepal

After Sri Lanka's triumph over the T20 format last year, the Asia Cup returns to the 50 overs format this year.

Mainul Islam

August 29, 2023

2.2 minutes

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Author:

Mainul Islam

Date:

August 29, 2023

53

The Asia Cup Cricket Line-up from Pakistan to Nepal

After Sri Lanka's triumph over the T20 format last year, the Asia Cup returns to the 50 overs format this year.

Cricket News

Cricketing Showdown in the Subcontinent

Six cricketing nations are set to vie for supremacy in the Asia Cup, co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The tournament promises thrilling clashes and a final opportunity for the giants of Asian cricket to assess each other before the impending World Cup in India.

Road to Glory: Group Stage and Super Four

The tournament structure comprises a group stage, followed by the Super Four, culminating in the grand finale in Colombo on September 17. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, where the leading two in the standings will compete for the championship.

Group A: Clash of Titans

Pakistan

The top-ranked team, Pakistan, shares co-hosting duties with Sri Lanka due to a hybrid model implemented after India’s refusal to play in Pakistan. With an impressive rise to world No. 1 status, Pakistan is riding high after a dominant 3-0 victory against Afghanistan.

  • ODI ranking: 1
  • Captain: Babar Azam
  • Key players: Babar (batsman), Shaheen Shah Afridi (left-arm fast bowler), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper-batsman)
  • Asia Cup best: Winners 2000, 2012 (both 50-over)

India

The cricketing powerhouse and record-holders of Asia Cup titles, India enters the tournament as the favorites, aiming for an eighth championship.

  • ODI ranking: 3
  • Captain: Rohit Sharma
  • Key players: Virat Kohli (batsman), Hardik Pandya (all-rounder), Jasprit Bumrah (fast bowler)
  • Asia Cup best: Winners 1984, 1988, 1990, 1995, 2010, 2018 (50-over), and 2016 (T20)

Nepal

Making their Asia Cup debut, Nepal faces a tough challenge against cricketing giants India and Pakistan. Despite reaching the World Cup qualifiers, Nepal fell short of the 50-over showpiece qualification.

  • ODI ranking: 15
  • Captain: Rohit Paudel
  • Key players: Aarif Sheikh (batsman), Paudel (batting all-rounder), Sandeep Lamichhane (leg-spinner), Aasif Sheikh (wicketkeeper-batsman)
  • Asia Cup best: Debut 2023

Group B: Pursuit of Glory

Bangladesh

The Tigers, having reached three Asia Cup finals without a victory, confront challenges as captain Tamim Iqbal is sidelined due to a back injury.

  • ODI ranking: 7
  • Captain: Shakib al Hasan
  • Key players: Shakib (batting all-rounder), Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper-batsman), Mehedi Hasan Miraz (all-rounder)
  • Asia Cup best: Runner-up (50-over) 2012, 2018, (T20) 2016

Sri Lanka

Co-hosts Sri Lanka, a dominant force in the Asia Cup history, boast six championships. Despite their victory in the T20 format last year, injuries have posed challenges for this edition.

  • ODI ranking: 8
  • Captain: Dasun Shanaka
  • Key players: Kusal Mendis (opener), Dhananjaya de Silva (all-rounder)
  • Asia Cup best: Winners (50-over) 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, and (T20) 2022

Afghanistan

With their formidable spin attack, Afghanistan, in their second Asia Cup appearance, can potentially upset top teams on their day.

  • ODI ranking: 9
  • Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
  • Key players: Rashid Khan (leg-spinner), Mohammad Nabi (all-rounder), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (off-spinner)
  • Asia Cup best: Super Four 2018 (50-over), 2022 (T20)

The 2023 Asia Cup promises cricket enthusiasts an enthralling display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship as the teams battle for supremacy in the heart of the subcontinent.

Last Updated: Aug 29, 2023
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