Afghanistan’s cricket team has landed in Pakistan to participate in the forthcoming Asia Cup, set to commence on 30th August in Multan. After being whitewashed by the Pakistan team in a recent ODI series, the big question remains: Can Afghanistan qualify for the main round of Asia Cup 2023?
The teams in contention include Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Each squad possesses its own unique strengths and vulnerabilities. Afghanistan recently announced their squad for the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup.
There have been several alterations to the team that recently played against Pakistan in a three-match ODI series. Fareed Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shahidullah Kamal, and Wafadar Momand have been excluded from the Asia Cup selections. The side has added Karim Janat and Sharafuddin Ashraf are making comebacks. Here’s a closer look at their potential for qualifying for the main round of Asia Cup 2023:
Afghanistan’s Spin Bowling Forte
Undoubtedly, Afghanistan’s ace lies in their elite spinners such as Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad. In the series against Pakistan, Afghanistan’s spinners outperformed their pace counterparts. Rashid Khan has showcased his batting prowess in the past, Nabi stands as a genuine all-rounder, and Mujeeb has exhibited his batting potential by achieving the fastest ODI half-century for Afghanistan. So, the likes of Rashid and Mujeeb add unbelievable value to the side.
On the batting front, Afghanistan will primarily bank on Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. These openers demonstrated promising performances against Pakistan, but the team’s middle and lower order faltered significantly. In the recent series, the openers amassed 288 runs, averaging 48, while the rest of the lineup managed only 240 runs at an average of 13.
Afghanistan’s Batting Quandary
Consistent team efforts are imperative for victory. While Afghanistan’s spin attack was spot-on in the recent series, their batting, pace bowling, and fielding departments lagged behind.
Since 2022, Zadran and Gurbaz have consistently delivered. Zadran accumulated 827 runs in 16 innings, and Gurbaz successfully racked up 773 runs.
Afghanistan Batters Stats Since 2022
Rahmat Shah, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Najibullah have also shown promise. However, for the upcoming Asia Cup, it’s imperative for the middle and lower order to elevate their performance. This is especially true in the crucial matches against top-tier teams like Pakistan and India. Riaz Hassan and Ikram Alikhil, being relatively new to the international ODI scene, have a significant role to play.
Afghanistan’s Pace Bowling Conundrum
Reflecting on the recent series, Afghanistan’s pacers left much to be desired. They struggled under pressure, often delivering wides, notably in the second ODI where Pakistan’s Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan capitalised on these errors.
Since 2022, Farooqi has clinched the highest wicket tally, with Rashid Khan trailing closely. The onus now lies on the spin department and lead pacer Fazal Haq to steer the team towards the main round of Asia Cup 2023. Farooqi’s death bowling requires refinement, and Gulbadin Naib’s evolving bowling skills might be the X-factor.
Afghanistan Bowling Stats Since 2022
Afghanistan’s Chances for Main Round of Asia Cup 2023
While challenges persist, Afghanistan might see a glimmer of hope. Sri Lanka’s key spinner Hasaranga’s absence might indirectly bolster Afghanistan’s chances. To stand out in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, Afghanistan needs to enhance their fielding and nail the death overs.
