The 2022 edition of the Asia Cup is a golden trial opportunity for the Asian sides ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia. Earlier cricket was considered the batter’s game, but in recent times the bowlers with their immense talent, have proven to be equally dominating. However, this Asia Cup edition is going to be a display of the spin wizards. As the opening two matches will be showcasing some really good spin attacks.
The Inaugural Clash of Asia Cup 2022
As the inaugural match is to be played between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, later this evening at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Although the stadiums in UAE favor pace bowling, this match seems to be predominated by spin bowling. For a very simple reason- the quality of spinners in both the teams is way better than the fast bowlers.
Both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are power-packed with a world-class spin attack. Afghanistan’s spin trio Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi will cause a lot of problems for the Sri Lankans. However, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana will look to take full advantage of Afghanistan’s weak batting line-up.
Wanindu Hasaranga VS Rashid Khan
Making his debut in the year 2017, Hasaranga has picked up a total of 62 wickets in 36 innings. Hasaranga holds the sixth position in the ICC T20I bowlers ranking and 10th on the ICC T20I allrounders ranking. While 23-year-old spin sensation Rashid Khan claims the fifth position in the ICC T20I bowlers ranking with an aggregate of 112 wickets in 66 innings. Rashid Khan also holds the record of taking the fastest 100 wickets in the T20I format.
| INNINGS | WICKETS | BEST FIGURES | AVERAGE | ECONOMY | 4W/ 5W | |
| WANINDU HASARANGA | 36 | 62 | 4/9 | 14.14 | 6.61 | 2/ 0 |
| RASHID KHAN | 66 | 112 | 5/3 | 13.8 | 6.22 | 4/2 |
Although their bowling style is the same, both of them have completely different talents to showcase as well as different mindsets that make them the best in the world. While Hasaranga is known for his calm and composed temperament, which helps him handle pressure situations. On the other hand, Rashid Khan‘s aggressive approach and the hungry to become the best is what makes him the best in the circle.
The Mother of All Rivalries: IND vs PAK
India as well as Pakistan has the most skillful batters on their sides. However, their bowling unit is considered to be of the highest caliber. For Pakistan Shadab Khan can be a key spinner as he has caused agony for India earlier as well. Meanwhile, the Indian squad has a bunch of miser spinners, including the veteran duo of Ravindra Jadeja and R. Ashwin. Whereas, crafty spinners, Yuzi Chahal and young Bishnoi are going to be assets for the Indian contingent.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2022 Format: Is Asia Cup T20 or ODI in 2022
Yuzvendra Chahal vs Shabad Khan
India’s crafty leg spinner Yuzi Chahal will cause misery for Pakistan’s batting lineup. His deceptive googlies and flippers will cause some great jeopardy. While Pakistan’s leggy Shadab Khan has the whole responsibility of spin bowling on his shoulders. As he has given some quite impressive bowling performances in recent years for his national team.
| INNINGS | WICKETS | BEST FIGURES | AVERAGE | ECONOMY | 4W/ 5W | |
| YUZI CHAHAL | 61 | 79 | 6/25 | 23.94 | 8.09 | 2/ 1 |
| SHADAB KHAN | 60 | 73 | 4/14 | 21.79 | 7.11 | 2/0 |
Along with these quality spinner one should keep an eye on Bangladesh’s crafty spinner, namely, Shakib Al Hasan. Full of talent be it with bat or ball, Hasan has a lot of things to rove in this Asia Cup edition. Hence, Asia Cup, will be an enormous showcase of world-class spin bowling.
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