Ranking opening combinations of top five teams ahead of Asia Cup 2022

Like any other format of the game, openers can shape how a team performs in T20Is. If the pair manage to give a rock and solid start, the following batters can chip in and contribute their bit to set up a good total in the 20-over format. In case of a shaky start, the middle-order batters need to play it safe, and someone will have to anchor the innings.

There are certain openers in the Asia Cup who are also the main batter of their side. Players like Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam are also the leaders of their respective sides and thus will have the pressure to lead from the front and give their team a good start. How will other teams line up their opening pair, and which pair can be deadly in the forthcoming tournament? Go no further as we dissect and rank the opening combinations of every team ahead of the tournament.

5. Anamul Haque & Mohammad Naim

Based on Bangladesh’s recent performance, the duo is ranked in the 5th performance. They, of course, were not originally planned as Liton Das, one of their best batters of this format, is not part of the Asia Cup. 

Mohammad Naim, who was part of the Bangladesh A squad recently, has been called up for this tournament. He has played 34 T20 Internationals for Bangladesh and scored 809 runs at an average of 24.51. His strike rate is a matter of concern but that’s a problem that the whole team needs to address.

His opening partner, Anamul Haque was playing in the top order against Zimbabwe. Batting at number three, the 29-year-old scored just 56 runs in three T20Is. More than the runs, it’s his strike rate that’s been a matter of discussion. Representing Bangladesh in 19 T20Is, the right-hander scored 440 runs but with a strike rate of 115.49.

The team director of Bangladesh, Khalid Mahmood previously spoke on how players should improve their strike rate. This is one big disadvantage of Bangla Tigers at the moment. They got to get better in order to lift their maiden Asia Cup title this year. Now, in order to do so, their openers need to give them a strong start. The pressure is on Haque and Naim to deliver.