Asia Cup 2022 Championship: Three new names that could star in UAE

    Asian countries have always been known for creating cricketing legends. Countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have also given the world the best cricketers

    Arshdeep Singh Star bowler for Team India Arshdeep Singh Star bowler for Team India

    The tournaments of this level become a platform for a few young names, where they announce their caliber and catch the eye of the world. 

    This Asia cup also, there are few young players for whom it's going to be a perfect place to start their journey of being a star. 

    Arshdeep Singh- India

    The left-arm pacer is in his maiden year of international cricket. Having debuted in July 2022, he has played 6 T20I matches to pick nine wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.33. Since his debut, the youngster has never shown signs of nervousness, having gained plenty of experience by bowling to the cricketing greats in IPL. 

    As a left-arm pacer is considered a rare commodity in the Indian squad, his yorker in death overs adds strength to the bowling department. He can very well shoulder the responsibility of pace-attack alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. 

    He reportedly troubled India's premier batters, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, in the net session practice before the Asia Cup. 

    Matheesha Pathirana- Sri Lanka

    Fondly called 'Baby Malinga' owing to the significant resemblance of his bowling action with Sri Lankan legendary bowler Lasith Malinga, the 19-year-old pacer has found a place in the 20-member squad of the Asia Cup. 

    He has not yet debuted for Sri Lanka, and what a grand opportunity it will be to get a debut in Asia Cup if he makes it to the playing XI. Having played in T20s, he has pulled seven wickets from 9 matches with an economy of 7.20. He caught everyone's attention in IPL when he took Shubman Gill immediately after bowling the first ball of his maiden IPL match. 

    If he gets to play in the Asia Cup, he might emerge as a star bowler for Sri Lanka.

    Naseem Shah- Pakistan

    The little-known right-arm pacer debuted for Pakistan in the ODI series against the Netherlands just before Asia Cup. In 3 ODIs, he has scalped ten wickets at a phenomenal economy of 4.26 to make an impactful debut.

    Pakistan's chief selector Mohammad Wasim called the youngster "express fast'" and believes he can bolster the national team's bowling attack. 

    He might be expected to play a more prominent role for Pakistan in the absence of Shaheen Shah Afridi, and it will be an ample opportunity for him to leave his mark.

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