Asia Cup 2023: Top 5 Players who could make or break their ODI careers in the tournament

The Asia Cup 2023 is here with a bang and after the conclusion of the second round of the group stage, only Pakistan is the team to qualify for the Super Four round. Following Afghanistan’s 89-run defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in the fourth contest, the competition has become more interesting.

In this competition, the centre of attention are some star players such as Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Babar Azam, Rashid Khan, and Shakib Al Hasan. Along with these players, a few newcomers in ODI cricket who have failed to be at their best so far will also be watched from close quarters by their respective teams and mentors. These players will have to be effective in this series and make themselves strong contenders to probably participate in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, slated to be held in India, in October and November, this year.

Here are the five players who could make or break their ODI careers in this Asia Cup edition

5. Mohammad Naim

Ahead of the 2023 Asia Cup, Bangladesh openers Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das were ruled out due to their injuries. In the absence of mainstay players, captain Shakib-Al-Hasan trusted Mohammad Naim to open the innings with Tanzid Hasan in their first match against Sri Lanka.

In his team’s opening game, Naim failed to provide a fine start to his side as he went back to the pavilion early after scoring 16 off 23. Against Afghanistan, the left-handed batter exuded confidence with his bat. Along with his new opening partner, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, he stitched a 60-run partnership. 

The 24-year-old chipped in with 28 runs in his team’s convincing 89-run win against the Afghan side. Naim’s batting numbers aren’t impressive so far in ODI cricket. Playing six ODIs, he has hit only 54 runs in five innings. If Bangladesh progresses to the next round in this continental series, Naim will look to showcase his batting mettle.