Asia Cup 2018: Combined XI

#1 Top Order: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Fakhar Zaman

Rohit Sharma is one of the best limited overs openers

For the opening slots, I have gone in for the irresistible pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. The pair have been one of the premier opening partnerships in the world and hence walk straight into our eleven.

Though Dhawan failed to live up to expectations in England, one can expect him to be back to his run-scoring ways in the UAE, where the pitches are conducive to batting. There was a temptation to pair Fakhar Zaman with Rohit Sharma. However, I have gone for the tried and tested duo of Rohit and Shikhar with Fakhar slotting in at No.3.

The Top 3 are belligerent and would help in setting the tempo of the innings. Fakhar and Rohit have scored double hundreds in ODIs before while Dhawan scores at an impressive strike rate of 93.88.

The trio would give headaches to even the most skilful of bowling attacks and thus comprise the Top 3 of our combined XI.