Asia Cup 2018: 3 reasons why Afghanistan will win the tournament

Afghanistan have had a fantastic start in the 2018 Asia Cup with back to back victories against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. They have played quite well in all the three departments- batting, bowling and fielding. Having put at least 250 runs on board in the two matches, the Afghan bowlers have comfortably defended it and have ripped apart the opposition's batting order too easily.

Having reached the Super Four stage, the Afghan players will look to keep up their momentum and play their best in order to beat the other three teams. With star bowler Rashid Khan in their side, they certainly have the capability to upset big teams and lift the 2018 Asia Cup trophy.

Let us have a look at the three reasons as to why Afghanistan will win the 2018 Asia Cup.

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#3 Strong bowling attack

Afghanistan's bowling attack have been at the top of their game so far in the tournament. Their strength is their spin bowling attack consisting of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi, who have bowled quite accurately and picked up wickets at regular intervals.

The seam attack consisting of Aftab Alam and Gulbadin Naib too have picked up wickets in this Asia Cup, bowled a perfect line and length, haven't given away easy runs to the opposition and hence have perfectly complimented the spin bowlers.

Due to their formidable bowling attack, Afghanistan have dismissed their opponents Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in their first two matches for 119 and 158 runs respectively. Hence, other teams in the Super Four stage of the tournament will have to watch out for the young Afghan bowlers and play them cautiously.

#2 Underdog tag

Afghanistan have entered this tournament as the underdog. Hence, they have no fear of losing matches or getting eliminated from the tournament. They are free to express themselves, play as per their strengths and hope for the best outcome. This Afghan team is committed to showcase their strengths to the world and prove the level at which they can play the game.

In the two matches played, it was quite visible that Afghanistan were enjoying themselves on the field, didn't buckle under any pressure and hence were comfortably able to beat Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Therefore, they are expected to continue to play in this fashion and it might be quite possible that they might lift the 2018 Asia Cup at the end.

#1 X-factor Rashid Khan

Rashid has been in good form with both the bat and the ball in the tournament so far. The tactic of getting him to bowl after 20 overs has certainly worked so far for Afghanistan. His variations and action are quite tough to pick and has knocked out lots of good batsmen.

In two matches, Rashid Khan has picked up four wickets at an impressive average of 9.75 and economy rate of 2.38. His score of 57 against Bangladesh yesterday helped Afghanistan put up a respectable total on board and hence led them to a memorable victory.

Hence, Rashid Khan is key to Afghanistan's success in the 2018 Asia Cup.