Asia Cup 2018: Left-handers who could make an impact in the tournament

Over the years, one day cricket has changed quite a lot with field restrictions, usage of new balls, quality of fast bowlers, etc. But one thing that has always remained in fashion is having a left hand-right hand combination. The reason behind this is it tends to upset the bowler's rhythm, lines and the lengths they operate with. Each team has at least 1 left-hander in their top 6 these days. It also helps to reduce the impact of left-arm spinners and leg spinners as fielding captains are wary of attacking the left-handers with the ball spinning into them. As the Asia Cup approaches, we take a look at 5 left-handers who can stamp their class on this tournament.

Fakhar Zaman

Life could've been so different for this man if Jasprit Bumrah hadn't overstepped at The Oval. There hasn't been any looking back ever since for Fakhar Zaman.

He has been extremely effective at the top of the order and has been scoring big. Their last assignment in Zimbabwe was something which Fakhar absolutely aced. Scoring runs for fun at a blistering strike rate across formats, Fakhar Zaman proved that he is more than just a tonker at the top of the order. Pakistan will be looking forward to big things from this left-hander as there will be a lot of spin on show during the Asia Cup and this man may be a key player for the perennial unpredictables.

Kusal Perera

Another dynamic top order batsman who has loads of potential and talent, why wouldn't one be blessed with it when he has a role model like Sanath Jayasuriya. However, it has not always been smooth sailing for the southpaw as one of his biggest weakness has been inconsistency, something that has led to him being in and out of the squad.

But after a string of good performances against South Africa, Kusal looks like someone the Lankans can pin their hopes on. Kusal's ability to take the game away from the opposition may be vital in the docile conditions in the UAE. Sri Lanka is desperate to do well in a multi-team tournament and they would be hoping that this would be their tournament. For that to happen, Kusal Perera needs to go out all guns blazing.

Tamim Iqbal

There has been no doubt whatsoever about Tamim's talent with the bat. Right from the 2007 World Cup, he has been a pillar of the Bangladeshi order. He was always been known for his flamboyance and stroke play. But the Tamim Iqbal 2.0 is much more than just a batsman who goes out there and shows his swagger.

Tamim has moulded himself brilliantly into the batsman who would bat deep, drop anchor when required and let the rest bat around him. His ability to play the long innings and cash in towards the end will help Bangladesh in their pursuit of lofting the cup, something that has evaded them on every prior occasion. Tamim will be hoping that he can bring all his experience to the party and roar out loud against their much-fancied neighbours.

Shikhar Dhawan

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Coming on the back of a terrible tour of England which might even turn out to be Dhawan's last overseas Test series, he will be keen to perform in conditions which are much closer to home. There will not be any/negligible movement for the seamers. A fast start will go a long way in helping the Indian team chase down/build big totals.

It's a well-known fact that India always does well when the openers fire. India would like Dhawan to bat long to counter the left arm spinners as the rest of the batting line up comprises of right-handed batsmen. With the high standards that he has set over the years, one can expect big things from Shikhar in this tournament.

Najibullah Zadran

It might be a surprise to some to see this youngster on this list, but this Afghan southpaw is one to watch out for. It is out there for everyone to see that Afghanistan's strength lies in their spin bowling. However, if they need to pose a serious threat to the better-established countries, they need to post competitive totals.

The role of Najib would be of an aggressor in the lower middle order. His ability to hit sixes stands out as he has struck 42 sixes in his 47 match career so far. Take the Afghans lightly at your own peril, it's not over until you get rid of this striker.