Asia Cup 2018: Analyzing all the squads ahead of the tournament

Afghanistan

Afghanistan has been the most improved team in the recent times and will be eager to give tougher competitions this time to the other teams. They have been in great form in limited overs cricket in recent times and would be looking to capitalize on that.

Mohammad Shahzad, the entertaining wk and batsman, and Ishanullah Janat will most probably form the opening pair. Young Munir Ahmed has been included as a backup for Mohammad Shahzad.

The middle order will be lead by their Captain Asghar Afghan and he will be supported by decently experienced Najibullah Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi.

All-rounders Mohammad Nabi, the most experienced player in the squad, Samiullah Shenwari, and Gulbadin Naib will have responsibility for handling the middle order and also chip in with few overs. Javed Ahmadi and Rahmat Shah are also one of the experienced players in the squad.

Spin department will be lead by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, both of them have proved their mettle. Sharafuddin Ashraf, the left arm wrist spinner will add variety to the spin bowling attack. Aftab Alam will lead the pace attack and Sayed Shirzad, the left arm pacer will add variety. Young Wafadar, who is in line to make his ODI Debut is the third pacer in the squad.

Predicted XI: Mohammad Shahzad(wk), Ishanullah Janat, Rahmat Shah, Hashhmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan (c) ,Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Aftab Alam and Wafadar/Sayed Shirzad.