The Asia Cup is done and dusted with India crowned champions for the seventh time in their history on Friday night. With plenty of players excelling with the bat and ball, we have compiled our Best XI from the two-week tournament in the UAE.
ROHIT SHARMA (IND, captain):
MATCHES: FIVE
RUNS: 317
The right-hander demonstrated again why he is one of the best batsmen in ODI cricket. The 31-year-old didn’t get off to the best of starts against Hong Kong but raised his game when it mattered with scores of 52, 83* and 111* against Bangladesh and Pakistan. Ended the tournament with the most sixes (13).
SHIKHAR DHAWAN (IND)
MATCHES: FIVE
RUNS: 342
He was criticised during the Test series in England but there’s no doubting his qualities when it comes to 50 overs. Made the perfect start with century against Hong Kong before tormenting the Pakistan bowlers in the Super Four stage with another ton in their chase of 238. Made it a habit of scoring boundaries with 44 as Sharma’s 25 came a distant second.
MUSHFIQUR RAHIM (BAN)
MATCHES: FIVE
RUNS: 302
Stole the show on the opening day with a tremendous 144 against Sri Lanka and although didn’t reach a fifty in his next two games, produced another stunning knock when the pressure was on with a 99 against Pakistan. He rated it among his five best knocks and given it saw them through to the final, it was easy to see why.
HASHMATULLAH SHAHIDI (AFG)
MATCHES: FIVE
RUNS: 263
The 23-year-old returned to Kabul knowing he let the bat do the talking particularly in the UAE capital. The batsman isn’t one of the star names in the team but his runs tally puts his right up there. Struck three consecutive half-centuries including a 97 against Pakistan.
SHOAIB MALIK (PAK)
MATCHES: FIVE
RUNS: 211
Regularly found himself at the helm with his team in trouble and rescued them more often than not. That resulted in some solid knocks including his match-winning unbeaten 51 when he hit four and six in consecutive balls off the last ball against Afghanistan. Went even better against India in his next outing with 78 in what was a lone battle from the 36-year-old.
MOHAMMAD SHAHZAD (AFG, wk)
MATCHES: FIVE
RUNS: 268
DISMISSALS: FOUR (CATCHES: THREE, STUMPINGS: ONE)
The 30-year-old didn’t do much with the bat in his first three matches but came to life against Bangladesh when he hit a 53. He went even better next time against India as he made an aggressive 124, which included 11 fours and seven sixes. He was effective behind the stumps with four dismissals.
RAVINDRA JADEJA (IND)
MATCHES: FOUR
RUNS: 48
WICKETS: 7
The spinning all-rounder wasn’t originally a part of the squad but made his presence count with some eye-catching displays. Took seven scalps including four in his very first game against Bangladesh. Scored a critical 23 against Bangladesh in a tense final.
JASPRIT BUMRAH (IND)
MATCHES: FOUR
WICKETS: EIGHT
Was the pick of the fast bowlers as he averaged two wickets per match with an economy of just 3.6 The 24-year-old picked up wickets every game and his effort is even more remarkable considering he didn’t have much time to rest after being a part of India’s Test squad for the England series.
KULDEEP YADAV (IND)
MATCHES: SIX
WICKETS: 10
The left-arm spinner continues to go from strength to strength in white-ball cricket. Didn’t have a rest as he played all six matches. Took 10 scalps including three in the final against Bangladesh. Finished as the joint top wicket-taker.
MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN (BAN)
MATCHES: FIVE
WICKETS: 10
One of the most consistent players for the Tigers. Took two scalps in the opener against Sri Lanka and after a blip against India, was back on track . Snared four wickets against Pakistan which paved Bangladesh’s way to the final.
RASHID KHAN (AFG)
MATCHES: FIVE
WICKETS: 10
Given his talent, it’s really no surprise to see the star spinner make this list. In each of the five games, he picked up wickets including the scalp of Ravindra Jadeja in the thrilling tie. Took advantage of the UAE conditions to trouble the batsmen. At 20, he can only get better.