Asia Cup 2022: Rashid Khan or Wanindu Hasaranga, who will be ruling the Asia Cup match today ?

    After a long wait, Asia Cup 2022 is all set to kickstart today. The first fixture will clash between Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan and Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka. As the two sides will play the inaugural match, the two players who are likely to remain in focus are Wanindu Hasaranga and Rashid Khan

    Wanindu Hasaranga is most impactful player for Sri Lanka Wanindu Hasaranga is most impactful player for Sri Lanka

    Wanindu Hasaranga is an aggressive leg break bowler and a lower-middle order batter. He made a strong impact in this year’s Indian Premier League with his stunning leg-spin taking 26 wickets to emerge as the second highest wicket-taker of the tournament after Yuzvendra Chahal. His economy stood at 6.61 while representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in the UAE. And now he will return to the same venue. 

    The 25-year-old all-rounder missed The Hundred this year as Sri Lanka wanted to keep him fresh for the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. With 62 wickets in 38 matches and 382 runs in his bag of experience, he will be a potent bowler to look at. 

    Spin King Rashid Khan is the go-to-bowler for any team, whether at the domestic level or for his nation Afghanistan. He owns the crown of being a leg-spinner with 112 wickets in his bag of 66 T20 Internationals. 

    The 23-year-old spinner has been a big hit across the global T20 leagues. His prime role has been as a wicket-taking bowler, but lately, he got discovered as an attacking lower-order batter. He will be an excellent player for Afghanistan alongside Mujeeb, your Rahman and skipper Mohammad Nabi. 

    On his YouTube channel, Akash Chopra said, “My first prediction is that Rashid and Hasaranga will pick up three or more wickets.”

    Both spinners are familiar with UAE conditions, and both keep the potential to emerge as top wicket-takers by the end of the tournament. The pitch also gives a lot of support to the spinners; thus, it will be a spin-dominating contest tonight. 

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