Asia Cup 2018: Afghanistan Can Surprise the Big Teams in UAE?

Of late, Afghanistan has grown a lot in the stature and referring them as minnows would be an utter injustice. They have done exceptionally well whenever they have asked for the things to deliver. Their incredible run of form in limited-overs also saw them push into the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. But before that cricketing carnival, they will feature in the Asia Cup 2018 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Another mammoth feat they achieved in the recent past has been attaining the Test status alongside Ireland. Their statistical rise in cricket has been splendid from the last couple of years with the talented players coming through the ranks.

Solid batting department:

Afghanistan got the immense talent in their batting line-up in the form of Rahmat Shah, Mohammed Nabi and the swashbuckling openers. Their ability to knock the ball at a decent strike-rate is a bonus to the side.

Their skipper Asghar Stanikzai coupled with Shamiullah Shenwari, and the hard-hitting Najibullah Zadran gives the team solid stability in the middle-order. Being an Asian country, their batsmen are aware of playing spin as well.

Though the team has the little experience compared to the oppositions in the Asia Cup, they gained an immense ability by playing in the more stringent conditions back home.

The youngsters Nasir Jamal, Karim Janat and Javed Ahmadi, are also waiting in their wings for a long time to showcase their skills. Their hard-hitting opening batsman Mohammed Shahzad can take away the game on any given day.

Top-class bowling lineup:

The addition of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Zadran will bring all the stakes advantaging Afghanistan. The high-class performer Rashid Khan will be a big threat for the oppositions during the Asia Cup 2018 coupled with Zadran adding the icing to the cake.

With the top-rated bowlers in their ranks, they have a chance to stun top-notch teams. The likes of Shapoor Zadran and Dawlat Zadran are the most underrated fast bowlers in the world cricket who can deliver the required goods.

Besides the regular bowlers, they got the all-rounder Mohammed Nabi who can deliver economical spells. In a case of turning pitch, the addition of chinaman bowler, Zahir Khan will do a world of good as well.

However, it will be a bit tricky to face Afghanistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2018 in the UAE. With the cricket being so unpredictable, the underdogs Afghanistan might come out as victorious as well.