Predicted Playing XI of Asia XI to face World XI in T20I series

To celebrate the birth centenary of its nation’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh is hosting a T20I series between Asia XI and World XI. Two matches are slated to be played in Dhaka on March 21 and 22. Some of the biggest stars from all around the globe will be taking part in this game. These two games in the nation’s capital are expected to be a massive part of the celebrations. Six Indian cricketers have been included in the Asia XI squad including the likes of Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul. The World XI consists of some of the biggest stars like Chriss Gayle, Faf du Plessis and Alex Hales. To find the right combination for the Playing XI from this star-studded squad will be tough for the Asia XI side. On that note, here are what the possible combinations could be for this series. Here is the Predicted Playing XI for Asia XI: 1. Tamim Iqbal Tamim Iqbal. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images) Tamim Iqbal is one of the biggest cricketing stars in Bangladesh. This left-hander is a must at the top of the order. Batting in his home conditions, he is expected to go all guns blazing and be a tough nut to crack for the World XI bowlers. In the recent series against Pakistan, Tamim seemed to be in good touch. He got scores of 39 and 65 but was run out in both the games. Moreover, this will be the first time he will be opening the innings with someone like Shikhar Dhawan if the latter plays. Tamim can be both aggressive or play sensibly according to the needs of the side. However, the fans will enjoy watching him playing with full freedom. Also, with the depth and experience in the batting order, he doesn’t need to worry about the other factors. 2. Shikhar Dhawan Shikhar Dhawan (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) The few months have been tough for Shikhar Dhawan. He’s had to battle three to four injuries and has been away for a while. But whenever he was back on the field, he has displayed his potential and was highly impressive in the two ODIs that he batted against Australia. Shikhar apparently has recovered from his Grade-II shoulder injury and there is a chance that he might also play the ODI series against South Africa. Moreover, he will have an important role to play for his team in the IPL. Thus, these two games could be the ideal preparation for him to get into the T20 mode. Both Shikhar and Tamim are free stroke-makers and could provide the side with a wonderful start. They enjoy piercing the gaps through the off-side and it should be interesting to see them in action together. But will Shikhar be able to regain his touch back soon enough after this layoff? 3. Virat Kohli Virat Kohli. (Photo by DAVID ROWLAND/AFP via Getty Images) The BCCI has informed that Virat Kohli will play one game in this two-match series. Yet, it is understood that it subject to approval from the Indian skipper himself. He’s had a jam-packed schedule and has hardly had any time off in recent times. The South Africa series will only end on March 18 and the IPL begins on March 29. Virat will have to be at the RCB camp a few days early to regroup with his boys. Thus, there is hardly any time for himself and it is doubtful if he will play. But if he does, he is a no-brainer in the eleven. At number three, he is expected to play a massive factor for Asia XI. Kohli might even lead the World XI team in the game that he plays. 4. Mushfiqur Rahim Mushfiqur Rahim. (Photo Source: Twitter) Mushfiqur Rahim hasn’t played a lot of T20I cricket in recent times. He has last played a T20I for Bangladesh back in November 2019. Yet, he will be a very important part of the plans for Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup in Australia. Rahim has recently registered his third Test double century in the game against Zimbabwe. Even though Bangladesh hasn’t named the squad for the T20I series against the same team, the veteran is expected to play this series. He is highly likely to be batting at four in both the games for Asia XI. He provides a sense of reassurance in this batting line-up. Since he is so experienced, he can adapt to different situations well. Most probably, he is expected to anchor this line-up before getting out the big shots towards the end. 5. KL Rahul KL Rahul. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images) In the limited-overs leg of the tour of New Zealand, KL Rahul showed us all what he is capable of. He is in fabulous touch with the willow and will be one of the biggest attractions of this game. He’s had to bat at various batting positions of late and his position in this eleven isn’t certain either. Opening the innings is the best for him in T20I cricket. Keeping that in mind, he might play one game and Shikhar Dhawan might play in the other. And then, if Virat Kohli opts out, KL Rahul might get a go at number three. If not both these cases, he will have to take up the role of a finisher and bat at five. With the versatility that he possesses, batting at any of these positions shouldn’t be a huge challenge for him. For the starters, he is expected to keep wickets as well. But that might change if Virat makes himself unavailable and Rishabh Pant gets a chance or if Liton Das dons the gloves. 6. Liton Das Liton Das. (Photo Source: ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images) This is a tricky spot for the management as both Liton Das and Rishabh Pant are great options. The Bangladesh fans, however, might prefer having someone like Das in the eleven. While Pant is certain to play one of the two games as Virat and Rahul are only available for one match, he might not get a chance when both these players are in. This, obviously, is to maintain a proper balance between players from all the countries taking part in the series. Liton Das might not seem a very exciting prospect at number six in T20I cricket. But he is well capable of hitting the big shots and piercing the gaps. However, his form heading into this match is definitely a concern. Liton hasn’t had many big scores in T20I cricket of late. Since he will be up against some of the best in the business, he has got to improve himself and take more responsibility. 7. Thisara Perera Thisara Perera. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images) Thisara Perera will take up the role of an all-rounder in this side and will bat at number five. There aren’t many all-rounder options available in the Asia XI squad. Thus, the Sri Lanka cricketer will have a big role to play, possibly in both the games. Since he can hit the big shots right from the first ball that he faces, Perera can score some quick runs towards the end. Things might get that much more explosive when Rishabh Pant also slots into this eleven. If they both manage to get going, it will be quite a spectacle for the crowd. Moreover, Perera can be a handy option with the ball as well. He is most likely to be the fifth bowler in this line-up. Perera could most possibly operate during the middle overs when the field is spread out. 8. Rashid Khan Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan celebrates. (Photo Source: ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images) Rashid Khan is a no-brainer in this side and is one of the two Afghanistan players who will feature in the squad. Undoubtedly, Rashid is one of the best in the business when it comes to T20 cricket. Oppositions, of late, have been quite smart against him. They prefer not to take any chances against him and lash out at poor deliveries. But on his day, Rashid Khan can build up immense pressure on the batsmen with some tight and accurate bowling. Thus, even though he might not be the wicket-taker, he allows the other bowlers to do so as the batsmen must take their chances against them. Rashid has got an excellent googly that outfoxes even the best in the business. Playing in the subcontinent conditions is only an added advantage. He can even strike a few lusty blows with the bat. 9. Mohammed Shami Mohammed Shami (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) In the last couple of years, Mohammed Shami has evolved like no other. The family disturbances have only helped him get better and tougher as a cricketer. He has worked a lot on his fitness and looks in much better shape than he ever was. At this stage, Mohammed Shami is one of the most important players for India across all the three formats. He has improved on a lot of aspects of his bowling and added some variations to his attack as well. Shami should definitely be in the starting XI for the Asia XI. But there are other players like Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman and Mujeeb ur Rahman in the squad. Thus, since everyone should get an opportunity to be a part of this prestigious series, he can possibly be rested for the other match. 10. Sandeep Lamichhane Sandeep Lamichhane. (Photo Source: Twitter) It is a proud moment for entire Nepal because one of their own will be representing their nation in the prestigious Asia XI side. Sandeep Lamichhane is the only cricketer from Nepal who has found a place in this team. For all the hard work that he has put in all through these years, he surely deserves this opportunity. The pride of Nepal should be playing at least one of the two games in all likelihood. He would be looking forward to making this opportunity count and helping his team win the series. Sandeep can be quite deceptive with the ball. The 19-year-old has got quite a few variations up his sleeve. In the 74 T20 games that he played thus far in his career, Sandeep picked up 99 wickets. His T20 economy rate of 7 is also quite impressive. 11. Lasith Malinga Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP) Lasith Malinga is easily amongst one of the best fast bowlers that Sri Lanka and Asia have ever produced. Irrespective of the format he plays, his slingy bowling action has caused troubles to batsmen all around the globe. Malinga is a master of deception and has got numerous tricks in his bag. He might not be the Malinga of the old. As age is catching up, the Sri Lankan speedster has lost his pace quick considerably and doesn’t hit those 140s anymore. This has surely impacted his slower balls since there isn’t much of a pace difference to trouble the batsmen. Yet, he is quite effective even at this stage and it will be a delight to watch him share the dressing room with some of the best in the continent. Like some of the other players, Malinga might not play both the games to give an equal opportunity to others. But it will still be great to watch him even if it is for only one match.

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Predicted Playing XI of Asia XI to face World XI in T20I series

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