Asia Cup 2022: Afghanistan Can Upset Several Good Teams If.... – Wasim Jaffer Ahead Of SL vs AFG Clash

Former India National Cricket Team opening batsman Wasim Jaffer has said that the Afghanistan National Cricket Team have the full potential to upset the top teams in the Asia Cup if their batters perform well.

The Asia Cup 2022, which is the 15th edition of the tournament, is scheduled to be played from August 27 to September 11. The entire tournament is set to be held in United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the hosts Sri Lanka taking on Afghanistan in the opening clash.

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Speaking on ESPN Cricinfo’s Timeout, Jaffer said that Team Afghanistan have got a strong spin-bowling department and their pace-bowling unit is also pretty decent. He added it will be up to the batters to put up good scores on the board to help Afghanistan win the matches. He said:

“We know Afghanistan have three premier spinners and their fast bowlers aren’t too bad either. I think Naveen-ul-Haq is an underrated bowler and performs well in league cricket. If Afghanistan’s batting clicks, they can upset several good teams. Hence, if they can put a good score on the board, the bowling has the potential to upset the best.”

Wasim Jaffer further mentioned that there has been a dip in the form of champion leg-spinner Rashid Khan and said that his form will be critical to Afghanistan’s chances. He asserted:

“The way teams approach Rashid Khan and we have seen in the IPL that teams play him conservatively. In contrast, other teams in the rest of the franchise cricket attack him by playing slog sweep and sweep as he bowls plenty of googlies. However, Rashid Khan is an excellent bowler because we have seen that even against a defensive approach, he can take your wicket.”

“Nevertheless, his recent form shows a dip, but Khan’s form will be crucial in such a big tournament. He has always performed well in Dubai; hence, Afghanistan will hope their leg-spinner clicks.”

Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s form will be crucial for Sri Lanka – Wasim Jaffer

The 44-year-old further talked about Team Sri Lanka and said that they have got some promising names in the squad like Pathum Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis. He elaborated:

“Pathum Nissanka has proven himself to be a good player and has delivered consistent performances in the past one and a half years. Sri Lanka have other good players like Bhanuka Rajapaksa; however, he hasn’t been able to translate his franchise form in international cricket. Hence, I feel it’s an opportunity for him and his form will be crucial for Sri Lanka.”

“Charith Asalanka is a great player and Dasun Shanaka, who single-handedly won a game against Australia is an important player. They also have Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis. Hence, Sri Lanka has plenty of names, but the performances haven’t exactly been as expected from Sri Lanka.”

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