Asian XI as per Asia Cup 2018

This version of the Asia Cup saw great efforts and remarkable competition. Teams such as Hong Kong, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh exceeded expectations and proved their competitiveness.

Hong Kong gave a close fight to India, having an opening stand of 174 runs while the Indian bowlers looked clueless. Stats do not show how the quality of cricket Afghanistan have played. They were on the verge of handing Pakistan an embarrassing defeat, beat Bangladesh once in the group stage, and tied with India in a match that they could have won, had Jadeja not performed his last over heroics.

It shows how quickly and passionately the associate teams are coming up. The passion and keenness to stand up as a recognized cricketing nation is what is driving these so-called minnows to do their very best.

As far as the future of world cricket is concerned, it seems bright!

Let us have a look at the Best XI from this Asia Cup.

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#1 Rohit Sharma (C)

Rohit has been in sublime form

The elegant opener from India who had issues against left-arm fast bowling, especially while facing deliveries that came in, has turned things around this Asia Cup.

Rohit has not only batted superbly throughout the tournament but also led the team with excellence.

#2 Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar has exemplified opening batsmanship

The highest run-scorer this tournament, with 327 runs in 4 innings at an average of 81.75, Dhawan has undone the horrors of England and has again proven himself as an ODI specialist.

Shikhar played a wide array of shots and supported Rohit throughout, having a 100 run and a 200 run opening partnership with him.

#3 Mushfiqur Rahim

Bangladesh's own little master, Mushi

Though he hasn't looked as good, Rahim has done exceedingly well for Bangladesh this Asia Cup, scoring 302 runs in 5 matches, at an average of 60.40.

Rahim might not be all that dashing as a batsman but once he sticks around for a while, it's difficult to dismiss him.

#4 Hashmatullah Shahidi

Shahidi stunned the cricketing fans by delivering great batting performances all through the tournament. He showed immense patience and a great temperament to hit the right shots on the right balls.

#5 Shoaib Malik

Malik has made full use of his experience

Malik is well known all across Asia as a senior batsman and is highly respected too. He played some very very responsible knocks in the middle order and helped Pakistan recover after top order collapses by building crucial partnerships and yet, played at strike rates as per modern day's demands.

The advantage of having Shoaib is that he can bowl a few overs of off-spin in the middle too.

#6 Kedar Jadhav

India's new spin-bowling all-rounder, Kedar Jadhav

Along with his excellent ability to win matches for India with the ball by getting those crucial wickets in the middle overs, Jadhav is also a very handy batsman who can build long innings, as well as slog hard.

He can prove to be a dangerous finisher and can also bat up the order if needed.

#7 Ravindra Jadeja

Jaddu has to keep doing exceptionally well for the next 6 months in order to be picked for the 2019 World Cup

Jadeja made an international return to ODIs after 15 months and made it count. He did mighty well with the ball and has made small but meaningful contributions with the bat as well, such as drawing the match with Afghanistan.

Ravindra Jadeja has, however, proven his worth as a very valuable player due to the impact he makes on any particular game, being a top-notch fielder and an above average all-rounder

#8 Rashid Khan

Afghanistan's jewel, Rashid Khan, has left no stone unturned in his career. Being picked in all domestic T20 tournaments across the globe and also standing out while representing his country, Khan has shown that one's background and environment are no hindrance to success if one's resolve is strong enough.

Apart from being the world's best spinner at the moment and having all the variations at his disposal, Rashid is also a very handy finisher, who can hit the ball many a mile.

#9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvi has been economical as well as wicket-taking

India's Mr. swing, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, has managed to bowl to the best of his ability and pick crucial wickets by hitting the right areas and cramping the batsmen for room.

Bhuvi is a fabulous swing bowler who has also been lethal at the death with his yorkers and more importantly, he has chipped in with a few runs at the bottom of the order, providing the much-needed balance to the side and has supported the batsmen in building partnerships.

#10 Mustafizur Rehman

Fizz bowling to Indian batsmen

The young sensation from Bangladesh has yet again proven his worth for his side by bowling his heart out and doing what he is best at - scalping regular wickets, especially with his variations such as the slower balls and cutters. The Fizz has become a bowler who is now considered one of the best at the death.

#11 Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah bowled phenomenally well against Pakistan

India's death overs specialist, Jasprit Bumrah, has improved day by day as far as ODI cricket is concerned. He has become a genuinely capable new ball bowler and can bowl effectively all throughout the 50 overs.

Bumrah had always been one of the best death bowlers in the world, but he has now developed into this dependable all format bowler.