Asia Cup 2022: Best Playing XI of the tournament

The Asia Cup 2022 concluded with Sri Lanka lifting its sixth title in the history of the tournament. They beat Pakistan in the final by 23 runs at the Dubai International Stadium to claim the title. The Dasun Shanaka-led side displayed a complete team performance throughout the tournament, which paid off in the end. Aside from the Sri Lankan team, many other players performed admirably throughout the tournament. Here is the best playing XI from the Asia Cup 2022.

Openers

Pathum Nisssanka and Mohammad Rizwan

Pathum Nisssanka and Mohammad Rizwan (Source- Twitter)

Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka had a great run in the season. He gave consistent performances for the host team, which helped them reach the final of the season. In the six matches that he played, Nissanka scored 173 runs. Despite his low strike rate, he made up for it with consistent performances.

On the other hand, Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan had a dream run in the tournament. With 281 runs in six matches, he was the tournament's leading run-scorer. Rizwan also scored three half-centuries for the men in green, including the one in the finals.

Middle-order

Virat Kohli, Ibrahim Zadran, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Virat Kohli, Ibrahim Zadran, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Source- Twitter)

The middle-order batter had a great time in the Asia Cup 2022. Virat Kohli, India's former captain, appeared to be on top of his game. He returned to the team after a break, bringing his lost form with him. He was the second highest run-scorer, with 276 runs in five matches. Virat also hit two half-centuries and his 71st international century in the tournament.

Other players who took the tournament by the storm were Ibrahim Zadran and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. The former scored 196 runs in five innings, while the latter scored 191 runs in six. Rajapaksa also scored 71 runs in the final to propel his team to victory.

All-rounders

Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Shadab Khan

Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Shadab Khan (Source- Twitter)

The all-rounders in the tournament had a great time. Dasun Shanaka was also given the responsibility of captaining his team in the tournament, which he did well. His contributions with the bat in the lower middle order were critical in helping the team win some of the super four stage games.

Wanindu Hasaranga and Shadab Khan also had some memorable performances in the tournament, especially for Hasaranga in the final. The all-rounder was named man of the tournament after taking three wickets in a single over in the final.

Bowlers

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Naseem Shaha and Haris Rauf

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Naseem Shaha and Haris Rauf (Source- Twitter)

The Pakistani pace-bowling duo of Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf was incredible in the tournament. In the absence of their star bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, these two handled the pressure very well. Rauf took eight wickets in his six matches, whereas Naseem took seven in his five matches.

For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the pick of the bowlers. With 11 wickets in five matches, he was the tournament's leading wicket-taker. His stats also included a five-wicket haul and a four-wicket haul. The veteran cricketer was economical as well, conceding just over six runs per over.