New Delhi: Both of the teams are out of the Asia Cup 2022, and when the stakes are not higher it might be a chance for India to experiment while for Afghanistan to cause an upset. With nothing to lose, both, India and Afghanistan will look out to finish their campaign on a high note.
Naseem Shah’s sixes off Fazalhaq Farooqi’s full tosses ended the campaign for both teams. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will play in the finals while India and Afghanistan will battle for a consolation. Afghanistan side bowled well against Pakistan and apart from the last two balls, it looked that the match was in control. On the other hand, India’s bowling has not been able to defend bigger totals. It will surely be a battle between the Indian batting lineup and Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
India is the favourite with some issues
India won against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup but the situation is different now. India still is the dominant side with the top 3 scoring some runs and having Hardik Pandya in the middle. There have been glimpses of good bowling and Arshdeep has been the new death bowling star for the team.
Meanwhile, the number 7 problem still sustains as Deepak Hooda has not been used as an all-rounder and nor is he a designated finisher. India needs to get in Axar Patel to roll his arms or Dinesh Karthik who can solve the issue of poor batting in the death. The game is also a chance for redemption for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who went for 19 and 14 runs in the two 19th overs he bowled. While India is experimenting, it would be interesting to see who out of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi gets a chance or if is it Chahal’s turn to sit it out.
Afghanistan hungry for good finish
India has just three wickets in the powerplay in this Asia Cup, which makes a good opportunity for power-hitter Rahmanullah Gurbaz to strike. If India is unable to pick wickets, Afghanistan has power-hitting batters till number 7. However, someone will need to anchor the inning so that the batting lineup just does not stop at 130 odd runs.
With Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed playing brilliantly against Pakistan and the spin trio delivering when needed, it seems to be one of the toughest bowling attacks to face. A few early wickets and Afghanistan seem unbeatable. They almost defended 129 against Pakistan before Naseem Shah hit those sixes. Playing two back-to-back games in such heat takes a toll on the body. Afghanistan might look strong but the mind and the body need to be fit and aligned after the thrilling encounter last night.
