3 Pakistanis who can become stars in the Asia Cup 2018

Pakistan has always been an experimental side. They’ve either solely stuck to their old performers or given a chance to a number of newcomers in one go. Currently, Pakistan has one of the youngest and most inexperienced lineups in the top eight cricket playing nations.

Once again, Pakistan has packed their squad with a few newcomers, and a host of youngsters for the Asia Cup to be held in the UAE. Under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed, many of the youngsters have performed better than expected.

Captain Sarfaraz and veteran Shoaib Malik are the only two players in the squad of 16 who have crossed the age of 30. Hasan Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Shadab Khan have all cemented their place in the playing eleven, but are still quite raw and young.

Let’s take a look at 3 players who can be the next breakout stars for the Men in Green if they perform well in the Asia Cup.

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#3 Shan Masood

Shan Masood needs to justify his selection

Shan Masood is a calm and cool batsman known for his easy approach and ability to handle pressure. Masood has played 12 Test matches and is yet to make his ODI debut. An opener with a Test average of only 23.5, he has faced much criticism from fans and the media as they do not think he’s fit for ODI cricket.

However, Shan Masood the limited overs player has a completely different record. He has the highest List A average in the world at 58.21. That’s even higher than Virat Kohli, Fakhar Zaman, and Michael Bevan! Hence, his selection to the side is justified.

Shan Masood is determined to silence the critics and make his way in the playing eleven. His records and his hard work could pay off in the Asia Cup as he looks to make an impact.

#2 Asif Ali

Asif Ali has already played a few crucial knocks

Asif Ali has batted a total of 9 times in 15 combined ODI and T20I matches. That means he’s still very new to the game and is looking to make an impact and cement his place in the side. With so many newcomers since 2016/17 in the Pakistani line-up, we’ve seen many succeed while some have failed and faded away.

A hard-hitting batsman, his strike rate is above 180 in ODIs and almost 160 in T20Is. His strike rates are equally impressive at the domestic level, showing that he doesn’t just go hard once in a while. Asif Ali could be the answer to Pakistan’s middle/lower order worries and has the chance to make a great pinch-hitting pair with fellow youngster Faheem Ashraf.

Ali seems like the one who’s destined to succeed purely based on his talent and hunger for the game. We hope he is one of the rising stars who’ll shine brightly in the tournament.

#1 Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Afridi has enjoyed success in the PSL

Another product of the Pakistan Super League. Shaheen Shah Afridi is the youngest bowler in the Pakistani side for the Asia Cup. With a towering height of 6ft 6in, Afridi can seam the ball, bowl over 90mph and also bowl an attacking bouncer. Not just that, he is also known for his pinch-hitting abilities in the lower order.

Afridi is yet to play an ODI but is surely on his way to making his debut in the tournament. Having played 4 T20Is, fans and the Pakistani team staff are eager to see what the man can do in 50-overs cricket. He’s still extremely new and has only played 4 List A matches.

With such a raw talent in the squad, Pakistan will need to use the man effectively, and ensure that he isn’t injured in the process as he is still new to the game. Will the 18-year-old be able to handle the international pressure in the UAE? We surely think so.

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