Asia Cup 2023: 5 Players who can win Player of the Tournament Award

Matheesha-Pathirana. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The Pakistan leg of Asia Cup 2023 has ended by the time Sri Lanka started on a banger note. Although the matches in Sri Lanka, especially for India have been rain-affected. They were still able to produce some nail-biting finishes, where low scores were defended as well as 350+ scores being posted. 

India has already advanced to the final match. Before they get down to play the final showdown, they’ll face Bangladesh. On the other hand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will face off each other for the virtual semi-final. Both teams winning streak came to a halt when they faced India.

These matches have seen some classic individual performers having a great run in the tournament. A number of youngsters have turned up for their teams and displayed their skills against the best of the best. The continental tournament will play an instrumental role in getting them prepared for the World Cup. 

5. Dunith Wellalage

Dunith-Wellalage. (Photo Source: Twitter/ICC)

Sri Lanka’s young sensation Dunith Wellalage has been making the headlines ever since his brilliant all-round performance against Team India. His 5-wicket haul with the ball and 42* knock with the bat almost got Sri Lanka across the line. In the absence of Hasaranga, Wellalage is making sure opponents have the same fear against Sri Lanka. 

In 4 matches, Dunith has picked up 9 wickets. He’s one of the top wicket-takers in the Asia Cup. In all those matches he has contributed consistently with the ball. And in the limited opportunities he got in batting, he played two gritty knocks of 33* and 42*. With the form he’s been in, he will now play with flying colours. 

Cricket experts and legends of yesteryears have predicted Dunith to be the man of the next decade for Sri Lanka. With the promising start he had in the Asia Cup, if he can deliver in the next two matches; he will have a breakthrough series in international cricket. It can cement his place in the national side. 

4. Shubman Gill

Shubman-Gill. (Photo Source: Twitter/BCCI)

India’s highest-ranked ODI batter Shubman Gill has been in sublime form throughout this year. The young boy from Punjab is giving assurance to the middle-order batting. Though it has been his first multination tournament for India, he has performed decently. 

In all the four innings he had batted, he has scored 154 runs including two fifties to his name. Except in the very first match of the Asia Cup against Pakistan, he has looked quite comfortable. He had a remarkable start against Nepal which was followed by a brilliant knock of 58 against Pakistan in the Super 4 stage. Till now, he has those starts but has failed to convert them into big scores. 

He will be desperate to get the big scores under his belt before the Australia series and later the World Cup begins at home. India is due to play Bangladesh before the finals. Gill will look and try to cash in the opportunity. If he can play through the initial new ball phase then he can be dangerous. He knows how to construct a big score on a solid foundation which is what makes him a potential Player of the tournament for Asia Cup 2023. 

3. Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha-Pathirana. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Sri Lanka’s young brigade is incomplete without Matheesha Pathirana. The young pacer who has similar bowling action to Lasith Malinga, has set the expectations high. In his short ODI career stint, Matheesha has impressed the cricketing world. 

Right from the IPL this year, Pathirana has emerged as a dependable bowler. MS Dhoni trusted him and he paid back with flying colours. Now, in the ongoing Asia Cup, he has already accumulated 8 wickets under his belt in four matches. He will be spiced up against the batting line-up of Pakistan to take his team through to the final. 

He stays calm and composed under pressure and is developing a lethal yoker which he executes so well. He will get better and mature with experience. But he has the raw skillsets if nourished well, can give a long-term service to Sri Lankan Cricket. All of these qualities set him up for grabbing the Player of the Tournament award in Asia Cup 2023. 

2. Babar Azam

Babar Azam. (Photo Source: ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam is No 1 ranked ODI batter in the world. In three innings that he batted, he has smashed 178 runs. Though 151 off that run tally came in the very first match against Nepal. Post that he hasn’t met the standard he set for himself. 

Against quality bowling attacks, he has been outdone. Now, being the skipper of the side he needs to turn up big for their clash against Sri Lanka. They are already down with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf’s injury. It may fire Babar up to deliver a herculean knock. 

If Babar gets set once, he will be hard to get out. He will try to get his team to cross the hurdle and meet India in the finals. So for that, the team needs a brilliant innings from him. It can take him to the highest run-getters pedestal in Asia Cup 2023 and potentially set him up for the coveted Player of the Tournament award as well. 

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav (Photo Source: FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP via Getty Images)

India’s Kuldeep Yadav has been a revelation for his side. He has come a long way and improved himself a few notches higher. The left-arm wrist spinner has accumulated 9 wickets in his 3 outings so far. Interestingly all the wickets came within 24 hours splitting in two match days.

His 5/25 match figure against Pakistan was his second-best in ODI career. He really defined the match with his rapport with keeper KL Rahul, he looked unplayable. Even the immediate next day, Lankan batters had no clue to read him. They somehow escaped from his carnage.

He will get to play two more matches. And he has a high chance of finishing the tournament as the highest wicket-taker. If he continues this form, he can surely add a few to his tally. With Kuldeep’s form, India will be assured of their spin bowling department doing well.