Asia Cup 2018: Team of the tournament

#2 Middle-order - Mohammad Shahzad, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicket-keeper)

Cricket enthusiasts will cherish Mohammad Shahzad's century against India for a long time

Fans of a team enjoying their bowlers getting battered by an opposition batsman is a rarity in cricket, but such is the charm of Mohammad Shahzad's batting. The Afghan wicket-keeper scored 268 runs in this tournament at an average of over 50, hence he well and truly deserves a place in this team, However, given that the Sharma-Dhawan pair is irreplaceable in the opening positions, the opener will have to slot in at middle-order.

While Shahzad is a popular figure in the cricketing circuit, the Afghan who has caught everyone by surprise is Hashmatullah Shahidi. In a fairly different manner though, because Shahidi has resembled the highest order of resilience and fighting spirit. His magnificent knock of unbeaten 97 against Pakistan is certainly one of better ones in this tournament. In total, he amassed 263 runs, falling just 5 runs short of his teammate.

Another player who has been the most consistent player for his team is Mushfiqur Rahim. The Bangladeshi wicket-keeper was the only reliable pillar in the batting line-up which was devoid of veterans Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan. He accumulated 302 runs in the tournament at an astonishing average of over 60.