Pakistan, official hosts of the 2023 Asia Cup, started with a bang against tournament debutants Nepal but fizzled out in the Super Fours. Sri Lanka reached their second successive final but had a horrendous game and finished second-best. Bangladesh played well in parts and were the only team to beat India, who displayed their strength in all departments, winning their second successive ODI Asia Cup.

Nepal and Afghanistan were eliminated in the group stage. While Nepal were thrashed were Pakistan, they had a decent outing against India, scoring more than 240 runs. Afghanistan, meanwhile, crashed out after losing a thriller against Sri Lanka.

India are ticking all boxes ahead of the World Cup

India were bolstered by the return of three of their first-choice players Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah. While Iyer suffered a recurrence of his injury, Rahul and Bumrah were back to their best.

Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur have been around for a while now, but they now have Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam for support, while Tanzim Sakib arrived in style as well. At the Asia Cup, Taskin took nine wickets at an average of 19, Shoriful seven at 19, Mustafizur three at 21, and Mahmud four at 41.

Afghanistan still can’t close off games

Afghanistan have improved steadily in international cricket, but their primary issue was on display in the Asia Cup once again. They needed to chase 292 in 37.1 overs against Sri Lanka to qualify for the Super Fours, but they miscalculated and faltered at the last step.

This has been a recurring trend with Afghanistan. Time and again have they given higher-ranked teams a run for their money before committing a series of pressure-induced errors and conceding the game from a position of dominance.

The conditions at the World Cup in India will suit their style of cricket, but Afghanistan will have to work on their ability to close off games if they are to stand a chance of making a mark.