Before you go onto to read part 2 of the Asia Cup overall review about BAPH, please read part 1 here.
Bangladesh, much needs to be done
Of all the teams that were involved in the tournament, it is Bangladesh that has disappointed the most. Ofcourse, no one expected them to win the tournament itself but everyone expected them to qualify for the Super-4 but here they were unable to do so. All they had to do was win one game against either Sri Lanka or Afghanistan but they couldn’t win either. The loss against Afghanistan must be devastating. I meant no disrespect to them but they are playing this game for just over 10 years whereas, Bangladesh go their Test status in 1996. It has been 25 years since they joined the mainstream cricketing nations and yet, they didn’t go beyond the first round.
The number of defeats across formats beggars belief. Bangladesh is not improving at all. To the contrary, they have digressed to a great extent. Nowadays, they find difficult to beat the newest Test nations in Ireland and Afghanistan. They are simply not producing enough quality batsmen and bowlers. That is the bottom line. Passion is there. It can be clearly seen. Any game in Dhaka or Multan will be packed to the roof. Especially, ODIs and T20s but for some reason, they are producing the cricketers that are needed to succeed at the highest level. Perhaps, their first class system is pretty weak.
Here was a nation, who have not played any cricket in their own country, absolutely hammered Bangladesh. Man to man, Afghanistan is streets ahead of Bangladesh despite extremely limited opportunities. Let us also remember that the only Test played between these two teams was won by Afghanistan and in Bangladesh at that.
Poor behaviour
If this is not bad, matters between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have worsened. Ever since the Nidahas semi-final between these two teams, which Bangladesh won but their on-field behaviour was poor, relations have remained strained. It has now turned quite ugly. It is time both the teams do something about their behaviour. Looks like Asia have got one more intense rivalry.
Afghanistan, extraordinary performance despite limited opportunities
It was heartbreak for Afghanistan. A much spirited side who with a bit of luck, could have easily qualified for the finals. Their main weapon are their spinners. With Rashid Khan, Mujeeb and Nabi playing for various franchises around the world, the know exactly how to play in this format. The biggest gain for them was their batting which has improved significantly. They absolutely blew Sri Lanka away in that first game and disposed off Bangladesh easily in the next.
Then, ran into contention after those games but that one game was quite disheartening. They posted quite a low score against Pakistan but if not for some freakish hits by Haseen Shah, they would have won that game. The discouraging nature of that loss showed in the very next game against India. Their minds were never in that game and all that they wanted to do was go through the motions and go home.
Unlike Bangladesh, Afghanistan does not have proper exposure. The other drawback is that they cannot play in their country. Hence, they have adopted India as their home country. In their short Test history so far, they have defeated much experienced teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. The talent that Afghanistan has is hard to believe. With proper exposure and a sound first class structure, this may not be possible for the foreseeable future, they have the ability to become the 2nd best Test team in the continent.
Pakistan, dream bowling attack
Well, with the bowling attack that Pakistan possesses, it was their tournament to lose. Every kid in Pakistan hurls the ball at 145KMPH easily. Haseen Shah’s delivery to Nissanka in the finals was an absolute beauty. It is hard for even the best of batsmen to play that delivery. Whatever the batsmen post, they have the bowlers to defend. This is not just now but it has been the case ever since Pakistan played the game. They say, pace is not everything but in Shaheen Afridi, Shah, Rauf and Dahani, they have both pace and skill to exploit any weakness or the pitch. Yet, Pakistan always fall by the wayside. It happened in the 2021 T20 World Cup and it has happened again.
They have loads of experience of playing in UAE but they couldn’t make it count. The middle order is a worry. It is a top heavy side with Babar and Rizwan opening the innings. None of the middle order inspire any confidence whatsoever. The Australian pitches will make their task even more difficult.
Hong Kong, nothing to say
Pakistan showed where Hong Kong belongs in one game. It is time ICC stops spreading the game to nook and corners of the world. Cricket is not like football or hockey. It is tough to become competitive in cricket. Instead of spreading the game to wide corners, ICC must concentrate on prepping the existing teams. West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh are struggling to compete against the tougher opponents. ICC must spend their fortune in these countries so that there is parity when they play the likes of India, Australia, South Africa or England.
Wrapping up Asia Cup review
Despite the many differences between the member nations, Asia Cup has really survived. There is a case to make this an annual affair but I do not think it must be. Rather, once every 2 years will not be too bad. One more thing is that, ACC must decide whether they want the Asia Cup to be an ODI tournament or T20 tournament. There are 5 full member nations in Asia and it will not be wrong to stage both T20 and ODI tournaments in the same year but once every 3 years.
What do you think of my analysis? If you think I am wrong somewhere, please do leave a comment. On the otherhand, if you think that I have written what has been bugging you, well, that is nice to know.
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