Reigning 20-overs world champions India appear as overwhelming favorites to retain their Asia Cup title, with Suryakumar Yadav leading a formidable squad ready to overcome rivals and any geopolitical distractions as the tournament begins on Tuesday.
The September 9-28 tournament seemed uncertain after four days of military conflict between host nation India and its bitter neighbor Pakistan this past May.
The eight-team competition was subsequently moved to the United Arab Emirates, but geopolitical tensions were evident, with several former Indian cricketers calling for a boycott of matches against Pakistan.
With New Delhi supporting the Indian cricket board’s stance of playing Pakistan only in multi-team events, the Asian Cricket Council, which organizes the Asia Cup, is confident that its flagship tournament will be a success.
With an eye on the T20 World Cup next year, India signaled their seriousness about the tournament by selecting pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
The 31-year-old is played sparingly to manage his all-format workload, and India hopes to benefit from the crafty seamer’s skill both in the powerplay and the death overs.
Test captain Shubman Gill has been recalled to bolster a batting lineup filled with power-hitters like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, currently the top two T20 batters in official rankings, along with skipper Suryakumar.
Arch-rivals Pakistan enter the tournament low on experience but high on confidence after winning a tri-series, which also involved Afghanistan and hosts UAE, on Sunday.
“We wanted to prepare in a way that helps us for the Asia Cup, and we’ve done that,” Pakistan captain Salman Agha said. “We’ve been doing really well since the Bangladesh home series. Finally, we’re in very good shape and fully prepared for the Asia Cup.”
Having overlooked former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan will need consistent contributions from their batters against tougher opposition.
Afghanistan lost to Pakistan in Sunday’s final in Sharjah, but skipper Rashid Khan considers their familiarity with the conditions a major advantage.
“It’s important for us to learn from these conditions ahead of the Asia Cup,” Rashid, who will lead Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack, said. “Over the last eight-nine months, we haven’t played much T20 cricket together, and a series like this gives us positive energy. I think it’s going to be a great and exciting Asia Cup for us.”
Under Litton Das, a new-look Bangladesh will be eager to prove their worth, having lost the likes of stalwarts Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Tamim Iqbal to retirement.
Afghanistan will play Hong Kong in the tournament opener in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
What?
Asia Cup
Format
T20
Where?
UAE
Venues
2
Dubai International Stadium
Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi
Teams
8
Group A
India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
Group B
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka
Schedule
GROUP STAGE
Tuesday, September 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi (6:30pm)
Wednesday, September 10: India vs UAE, Dubai (6:30pm)
Thursday, September 11: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi (6:30pm)
Friday, September 12: Pakistan vs Oman, Dubai (6:30pm)
Saturday, September 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi (6:30pm)
Sunday, September 14: India vs Pakistan, Dubai (6:30pm)
Monday, September 15: UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi (4:00pm)
Monday, September 15: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, Dubai (6:30pm)
Tuesday, September 16: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi (6:30pm)
Wednesday, September 17: Pakistan vs UAE, Dubai (6:30pm)
Thursday, September 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi (6:30pm)
Friday, September 19: India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi (6:30pm)
SUPER FOUR STAGE
Saturday, September 20: B1 vs B2, Dubai (6:30pm)
Sunday, September 21: A1 vs A2, Dubai (6:30pm)
Monday, September 22: Rest Day
Tuesday, September 23: A2 vs B1, Abu Dhabi (6:30pm)
Wednesday, September 24: A1 vs B2, Dubai (6:30pm)
Thursday, September 25: A2 vs B2, Dubai (6:30pm)
Friday, September 26: A1 vs B1, Dubai (6:30pm)
Saturday, September 27: Rest Day
FINAL
Sunday, September 28: Dubai (6:30pm)
Monday, September 29: Reserve Day
First India-Pakistan match since military conflict fires up Asia Cup
Despite heartbreaking defeat to Afghanistan, UAE remain confident ahead of Asia Cup
