Twice in the past Team Tigers were well on the way of winning Asia Cup Championship, twice they choked causing heart breaks of its millions of admirers all over the world.
This month from September 15 another Asia cup starts with five full member teams of ICC and one of the qualifier of the six associate members would lock horns for yet another championship at UAE. Four teams Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are more than capable of winning Asia cup. No sensible cricket admirer can even rule out even Afghanistan causing few upsets. This Asia Cup is going to be a wide open contest.
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are all confirmed participation. The remaining spot is still up for grabs amongst UAE, Singapore, Oman, Nepal, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Group A consists of India, Pakistan and the qualifier while Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4 and two teams will then play the final on 28 September in Dubai.
Avery strong India now is favorite in any bilateral match or international tournament anywhere of the world. Pakistan is also world beater in T20 and ODI in current form. Moreover, UAE is their home away from home for some years. Bangladesh on its day is more than capable of beating any team of the world in ODI format. Sri Lanka is again maturing into a formidable contestant. We are not sure Afghanistan can translate their T20 form in ODI. But nevertheless they have a very good attack and some impact batsmen.
India and Pakistan grouped together along with a qualifier would have easily sailing into round four. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan would battle out the other two slots. Semi Final would be any ones game .Team playing better cricket on the day would get through. Rankings these days matters very little as there are no majors or minnows in the shorter version of the game. UAE being neutral venue may not be tailor made for any team.
ICC Ranking of the Participants
Team Ranking Points
India 2nd 121
Pakistan 5th 104
Bangladesh 7th 92
Sri Lanka 8th 80
Afghanistan 10th 63
Team Tigers Is the Tournament Dark Horse
Mashrafe led team tigers would be a serious contender for the trophy this time. In business as usual Sri Lanka and Afghanistan should not create much of a challenge in preliminary round for Bangladesh qualifying for group of four. After a dismal test series tigers bounced back brilliantly in the West Indies tour winning ODI and T20 series 2-1.
The fabulous five Mashrafe,Shakib, Tamim, Mushfique and Mahmudullah together are the most experienced top quality international cricketers in world cricket now. Not even India and Pakistan possess this experience. All five were in prolific forms in the Caribbean.
The midas touch of great Mashrafe ignites self belief in the team. He himself bowled with sustained control and accuracy. His sudden change of pace, intelligent cutters proved lethal.
Tamim was at his brilliant best anchoring the innings. Shakib produced his top all round ability. Mushfique and Mahmudullah also sparked when required. These five would still remain the key. We hope Liton getting more consistent would give Bangladesh ideal kick off against new ball. Young Mithun playing admirably well in domestic cricket and for A team is an option for both opening spot and wicket keeping.
Shakib has been recently slotted at number three. Hope he continues tweeting. I thought Mominul would be his cover in the event his injured finger troubles him. Shanto has been preferred. Mominul will have opportunities against West Indies and Zimbabwe at home soon. But anyway bulk of the batting would be shouldered by high quality middle order of Shakib, Mushfique, Mahmuddullah. If Tamim digs in and gets big scoring 270-280 runs on batting friendly UAE wickets even in blistering hot humid condition should not be a problem.
Mithun, Mosaddek and Ariful and if required Mashrafee can blow out in the last power play. Batting must not bother Bangladesh. But they must not take any match easy. Afghanistan has Rashid Khan, Mujib and Nabi. Sri Lanka has good pacers and spinners. Pakistan and India have good bowling attacks. 50 overs batting needs patience and application.
Bangladesh has good enough bowling for restricting opposition to chasable targets. Mashrafe still remains impregnable with immaculate line and length. Mustafiz has started getting back to his brilliant best. Rubel needs to be a bit more consistent. Spin would be asset of Bangladesh. Shakib, Miraj, Nazmul Opu would trouble any team if wicket has any assistance. Mahmudullah, Ariful and Mosaddek can also chip in if required.
If Bangladesh bowls and fields well I do not think winning the tournament this time is beyond the grasp. But again saying all these one must realize we have lost several matches from winning position. I should rather say we have thrown the towel. Hope team have wisdom teeth grown now not to remain Chokers as before.
BDST: 1515 HRS, SEPT 1, 2018
SI/SMS
