Their contribution in taking England to the top of ODI rankings cannot be ignored. Ever since India found Hardik Pandya, he has become a near certainty in the playing XI in the limited over outfits. These multi-faceted cricketers form an integral part of any team. So let’s look at the all-rounders representing the top Asian teams -
INDIA - Hardik Pandya
Hardik made his T20 International debut for India against the Aussies down under in 2016. He was selected on the back of impressive showings for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Though he was erratic in his first game, the management knew that he was to be the answer to India’s seam bowling all-rounder woes. Man of the match on his ODI debut against the visiting New Zealanders, Hardik has gone from step to step in establishing himself as the first choice all-rounder in any condition, Though initially he wasn’t trusted to complete his full quota of overs, of late India are going in with Hardik as the fifth bowler,showing immense confidence in his bowling abilities. His batting skills are known to one and all anyway. Going into the 2019 World Cup, Hardik is a crucial cog in the side.
Pakistan - Shoaib Malik
More of a batting all-rounder, Shoaib Malik has been a big part of Pakistan’s improvement as a white ball side. Lending his experience ever since he came back into the side, he has become arguably their most under-rated but important player. Regularly chipping in with the ball, he offers captain Sarfaraz a more than handy sixth bowling option. As depicted by his recent Asia Cup showings, with the bat he has been one of the more consistent performers for Pakistan alongside youngsters Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam. There are few other all-rounders coming up the ranks too, namely Faheem Ashra and Shadab Khan. But Faheem has been plagued by inconsistency, while Shadab has a long way to go as a batsman.
Bangladesh - Shakib Al Hasan
Undisputedly Bangladesh cricket’s biggest superstar, Shakib is the heartthrob of the team. Such is his quality, it won’t be an exaggeration to say that he is their best batsman as well as their best bowler. Plying his trade across various T20 leagues around the world, the well-traveled Shakib is one of select few cricketers who know how to fare under pressure.
Such is his importance to the side, that despite concerns regarding injury to his finger, the selectors and management went ahead and played him in the Asia Cup. This after he had publicly stated that he needed immediate surgery after the series in West Indies. With the World Cup looming, it was not a wise decision on the management’s behalf. His participation in the event remains in jeopardy at this moment.
Sri Lanka - Thisara Perera
Thisara Perera earlier used to be that irritating brand of a cricketer. Someone who didn’t take enough responsibility, but also someone you couldn’t do without with. In the past 2 years, however, he has managed to blend consistency with his X-factor skills, to prove to be an invaluable asset to Sri Lanka. Upon Matthew’s stepping down succeeded by Upul Tharanga’s failure, Thisara was even elevated to the ost of captaincy, albeit for a brief period. With his big-hitting prowess and death bowling skills, Perera remains a huge part of Sri Lanka’s plans going into the World Cup. Apart from him, there is Angelo Mathews too.
Sacked as captain and further dropped from the squad altogether, Mathews paid the price for Sri Lanka’s abysmal Asia Cup showing. Though it is more than likely that he will be back in the squad come to the World Cup, he is not bowling regularly of late due to recurring injuries.
Afghanistan - Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi
While Nabi has been rated as an all-rounder ever since he began playing, Rashid’s recent rise as a batsman has come across as a happy happening for Afghanistan cricket. Dangerous with the ball in hand, with his wicket-taking ability next to none, Rashid has bailed his team out several times with the bat too.
He scored an unbeaten fifty against the Sri Lankans in the Asia cup, further establishing his credentials. Nabi meanwhile goes unnoticed with the ball. Slipping in quite overs, he keeps things in check during the middle overs. With the bat, he is Afghanistan’s talisman in the lower middle order, a crucial link between the batsmen and the bowlers. Now qualified for the World Cup, both of them would like to showcase just why they are ranked No.1 and 3 in the world.
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