Asia Cup 2018: Players who cemented their spot in the team for World Cup 2019

The 2018 edition of the Asia Cup will certainly go down as the most entertaining in the tournament’s history. Although Bangladesh didn’t really fall under the underdogs’ category, not many expected them to pip Pakistan or India to reach the finals.

As it turned out, they did reach the final by defeating Pakistan in a comprehensive way in Abu Dhabi. They managed to assert a lot of pressure on hot favorites India and it took the Men in Blue all of the 50 overs to chase a meager total of 223. The Tigers rose to the occasion and they certainly seem ready for the World Cup.

Talking of the coveted trophy for which all the big teams will be traveling to England, this is the high time for a lot of players who are on the peripheral edge of their respective squads. With some outstanding performances in the Asia Cup, few such players might’ve just confirmed their spot.

Here are six such players who most certainly will be in England with their squads.

1. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

One of the greatest limited overs bowlers of all time, Lasith Malinga was out of the picture before this Asia Cup. Not many expected him to roar back into the nucleus of the side, but he did so in spectacular fashion. He registered a timely 5-fer against Bangladesh, which was reminiscent of the old Malinga who would threaten everyone with his unique ability.

The 35-year-old seemed perfectly fit and as it stands, he certainly has another year of international cricket left in him. If that is the case, the wounded Lankan lions will have something to cheer about. He is one of those players who add a different flavour to the tournament with his presence and a lot of fans would love to see him in England.