Asia Cup 2022: Rating Teams based on performance in group stage

1. Afghanistan- 9/10

Afghanistan has been quite clinical in both of their games. The bowlers have been excellent in restricting the opposition to a modest score and the batters have sealed the game in style. The Mohammad Nabi-led side won two games out of two and are playing some outstanding cricket of late.

The ace spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, and Nabi have strangled the opposition with their variations. The pace department has been well led by Fazalhaq Farooqi. When it comes to batting, the Afghan openers have displayed their big-hitting prowess. They stuttered in the Bangladesh game but the veteran batter Najibullah Zadran soaked in the pressure and played a blistering knock to get his side over the line.

One could argue that Afghanistan have not been tested against the heavyweights India and Pakistan. Also, they have bowled first in both games and it could be seen as an advantage on the pitches in the UAE where setting totals have been difficult. Despite the above two facts, Afghanistan have been playing some great cricket and could threaten to punch above their weight in the upcoming stages of the tournament.