Harsha Bhogle picks his Asia Cup XI

The biggest tournament in Asia has come to its final stage, and now it is few hours to the final verdict. Asia cup 2018 comprised of six teams in which five are test playing nations, and Hong Kong made its way through the qualifiers.

The non-stop entertainment commenced from 15 September consisting of thirteen matches held in two different venues, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, and Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

A hell lot of drama, action, upsets were experienced in two weeks, with six-time champion Sri Lanka knocked out in the initial stage and minnow Hong Kong was close to making the biggest upset of the tournament against India.

Many players had an impressive run in the tournament, and some failed to leave their impact. Renowned commentator and cricket expert Harsha Bhogle chose his Asia Cup XI ahead of the final clash between the mighty Indians and resurgent Bangladesh. Let’s have a look-

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#1 Rohit Sharma

Hitman had to lead the Team India after their regular skipper Virat Kohli was rested owing to increased workload. Sharma didn’t disappoint and led the team from the front. Rohit was clinical as captain and stole the limelight with a clever shuffling of bowlers and right field positions. Moreover, Rohit is the third leading scorer of the tournament so far with a tally of 269 runs in 4 innings.

#2 Shikhar Dhawan

It seems like Gabbar has let go of his nightmare run in the English summer. Dhawan has looked at his very best; piling on 327 runs with the help of two hundreds to become the highest run-getter of the tournament so far. Shikhar and Rohit have been involved in two hundred and one double-hundred partnership till now in the Asia cup 2018.

#3 Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu failed to make to the Indian squad for the tour of England due to his failure in Yo-Yo test, but he came back all guns blazing to make his claim for the empty void in the middle order. Rayudu has looked in subtle touch finishing the game for the team a couple of times.

#4 Shoaib Malik

The veteran has been a stand-out performer for the Pakistan team. Malik has been in Midas touch throughout the tournament having scored 211 runs helping Pakistan to triumph in two crucial matches.

#5 Mushfiqur Rahim

Mushi has been consistent throughout the tournament with the bat as well as gloves. Rahim has single-handedly carried Bangladesh to the final. After the injury of their experienced players Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, someone needed to step up, and Mushfiqur did it with ease.

#6 Mohammad Nabi

Afghanistan’s performance is perhaps the best thing about the tournament. The way their players competed with the best teams in the world full of grit, persistence was a positive sign for the budding Afghanistan Cricket board.

Nabi, the experienced all-rounder, did a perfect job both with the bat and ball, his remarkable performance earns him the sixth position in the batting line-up.

#7 Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja was called as a replacement for the injured Hardik Pandya, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury Jaddu has been stupendous throughout the tournament, after his return to limited overs format over a year. The left-arm spinner has picked seven wickets so far and amassed crucial runs against Afghanistan.

#8 Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan is perhaps the best spinner in the world right now. The 20-year-old has made his mark quite significantly in the world cricket. Khan didn’t fail to impress his fans and scalped ten wickets in 5 matches. Moreover, RK has strengthened his reputation of an all-rounder courtesy of his handy knocks at the end of innings.

#9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Kumar didn’t have a great return to the Indian team; he had a terrible outing against the inexperienced Hong Kong batting line-up. Bhuvi proved his worth in the next game against the arch-rival Pakistan. Kumar seems to have regained his rhythm and will be an essential asset for India against the Bangladesh challenge.

#10 Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah stands on the top in ICC ODI Ranking for bowlers. Bumrah has been equally good in initial overs and the death in the course of the tournament. Bumrah walks out to the eleven with his tally of seven wickets in three matches.

#11 Mustafizur Rahman

The Fizz has been in and out of the national team due to the injury problems. Rahman showed his talent at the death by restricting the Afghans to score eight runs in final over. With two right-arm pacers already in eleven, it is good to have a left-arm seamer.