Asia Cup 2018: Strongest XI to play against champions India

Modified Oct 01, 2018 22:22 IST

Pakistan v Sri Lanka - ODI — Imam-ul- Haq - The opener

6. Mahmudullah

New Zealand v Bangladesh - ICC Champions Trophy — Mahmadullah the all-rounder

Mahmudullah is an attacking middle-order batsman and a good off-spinner. In this Asia Cup, he scored a crucial 74 against Afghanistan in the super Four match when Bangladesh slumped to 87 for 5. In the same match, Mahmadullah bowled five tight overs and chipped in with the all-important wicket of Mohammad Shahzad who was going great guns with a fifty.

Again, in that crucial match against Pakistan, Mahmudullah scored 25 runs and completed his full quota of 10 overs and claimed the important wicket of Imam-ul-Haq for 83. In the final too, Mahmadullah very nearly defended 6 runs in the last over. Mahmadullah is the all-rounder in the team at No 6.

7. Mohammad Nabi

ICC World Twenty20 India 2016: Â South Africa v Afghanistan — Mohammad Nabi

Mohammad Nabi is the star all-rounder for Afghanistan. He has figured in all the one-day matches that Afghanistan has played. In the tied match against India, Nabi first scored 64 off just 56 balls.

In bowling, Nabi claimed the wickets of Ambati Rayadu and Dinesh Karthik. Nabi is a genuine all-rounder in one-day cricket and deserves a place in the playing XI.