The Bangladesh cricket team always have been the dark horses in big tournaments like the Asia Cup and many others of this kind. The team possesses some world-class players who can be a threat to any opposition team in the world at a given point in time.
The team has registered several memorable victories in Asia Cup matches so far and managed to stun giant cricketing sides with their fearless approach on the cricket pitch. Over the years the side has managed to deliver several quality performances in the tournament as a unit but has unfortunately never managed to lay its hands over the trophy on a single occasion despite getting close to it on several occasions.
The team will therefore be hopeful of fulfilling their dreams of lifting the trophy finally this year and ending their several-year-long wait. It’s time for us to have a look at the possible Playing XI of Bangladesh for the Asia Cup.
Shakib Al Hasan (Captain)
Shakib Al Hasan who’s been newly entrusted with the captaincy responsibilities by the Bangladesh cricket board will be the pillar of his side in the Asia Cup for sure.
The left-handed all-rounder has scored 116 runs in 5 T20Is so far this year and also has picked 4 wickets with the ball. His all-round skills in addition to the captaincy strategies will be crucial for his side in this Asia Cup.
Anamul Haque
Anamul Haque who started his T20I career in 2012 will be the possible opener for his side in the Asia Cup. The right-hander has so far been in a rough patch with the bat in the shortest format this year with just 85 runs in 5 T20Is. The opening batsman will have a point to prove when he takes the field in the Asia Cup 2022.
Mushfiqur Rahim
Bangladesh’s legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, Mushfiqur Rahim will be one of the most important factors in their batting line up for the Asia Cup.
Though the 35-year-old hasn’t been able to replicate his quality performances of Odi and Tests in T20Is, he will be an important part of the batting lineup since he brings with him loads of experience that he’s gained over the years.
Afif Hossain
Afif Hossain is another possible young batsman in the Bangladesh batting lineup for the Asia cup. The 22-year-old made his T20I debut in 2018.
He has had an impressive year with the bat so far in T20Is since he’s managed close to 200 runs in 8 innings including 1 fifty. His good form will be crucial for his side in the Asia Cup.
Mosaddek Hossain
Mosaddek Hossain too like several other teammates of his will have to make a strong comeback after a string of low scores in the shortest format of the game so far this year.
The right-hander has managed just 38 runs in 4 T20I innings in 2022. His positive intent and proper finishing touches are what Bangladesh shall be relying upon to make things happen for themselves in Asia Cup.
Mahmudullah Riyaz
Next in the batting lineup would feature Mahmudullah Riyaz. Mahmudullah who’s one of he most senior members of the team will be crucial as he would bring along with him a lot of experience that he’s gained by playing in big matches for his side over the past several years.
The right-handed middle-order batsman has however not been in his regular best so far this year with just 99 runs in 6 T20Is and just 2 wickets with the ball in 2022. His returning back to form will be crucial for his side to have an impact in the Asia Cup.
Mehidy Hasan
All-rounder Mahedi Hasan will lose the need to live up to his other for the Asia cup this year if he wants to cement his place permanently in the team. The batsman hasn’t been able to contribute much lower down the order in the recent game and also has just 5 wickets with the ball in 7 games so far in 2022.
Mohammed Saifuddin
Mohammed Saifuddin has been one of the rising stars for Bangladesh in the last few years. He is an effective medium pacer bowler who can also be extremely handy with the bat in the last few overs.
With 17 wickets in 14 matches so far in 2022, he has been one of the major players in his side this year. Good performances from him is what the Bangladesh team management will be hoping for in the Asia Cup.
Hasan Mahmud
Hasan Mahmud will be another one of those youngsters who will possibly be featured in Bangladesh’s Playing XI for the Asia Cup. The pacer has picked three wickets in his two T20I matches so far this year with n economy of 6.50.
The man who started his T20I career only in 2020 will need support from the rest of his experienced teammates to shine brightly in the Asia Cup 2022.
Nasum Ahmed
26-year-old Nasum Ahmed who began his T20I career only in 2021 will be a prominent spinner for his side in the Asia Cup. The left-arm spinner has been far from impressive this year so far. With 7 wickets in 6 matches, he has conceded runs at an economy of 9.11.
He has always been targeted by the opposition batsman and gone for runs in almost every match. The youngster will have a point to prove when he features in Bangladesh’s Playing XI for the Asia Cup this year.
Mustafizur Rahman
Mustafizur Rahman without a doubt will be the most important factor in the Bangladeshi bowling lineup in the Asia Cup. The fact that the main bowler of the Bangladesh lineup has been out of form in the T20Is recently will be a big concern for the team and coaching staff for sure.
The left-arm pacer has picked just 5 wickets in 8 T20Is so far this year with an economy rate as high as that of 8.25. The 27-year-old will have to live up to his worth in order to help his side win matches under tough circumstances in the Asia Cup 2022.
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