The Asia Cup 2023 showcases 5 of the fastest bowlers, known for their blistering pace and precision. Their ability to deliver early breakthroughs, excel in powerplay and death overs, and consistently trouble batters makes them key players to watch as they look to dominate and lead their teams to success.
5. Matheesha Pathirana
Matheesha Pathirana, a 20-year-old fast bowler from Sri Lanka, has captivated cricket fans with his remarkable performances. After making a splash in IPL 2022, his exceptional displays earned him a maiden international call-up in August 2022.
Pathirana’s unorthodox bowling action, reminiscent of the legendary Lasith Malinga, has been a standout feature of his game. In 2023, he played a pivotal role in Chennai Super Kings’ triumph in the IPL, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star. With the Asia Cup on the horizon, Pathirana is poised to make a significant impact.
4. Naseem Shah
Naseem Shah, the 20-year-old fast-bowling prodigy from Pakistan, has quickly risen to prominence in the cricketing world. Making his Test debut as a 16-year-old against Australia in Brisbane in 2019, he showcased remarkable talent and has consistently delivered exceptional performances with the ball.
In 2022, Naseem transitioned to the ODI format, where he made an immediate impact by taking 23 wickets in just 8 matches. With his pace and skill, Naseem Shah is set to be a key player and a formidable force in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
3. Mohammed Siraj
India’s star pacer Mohammed Siraj has established himself as one of the finest powerplay bowlers in ODI cricket in recent years and is set to play a pivotal role for Team India in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
After making his mark in Test cricket during 2020 and 2021, Siraj transitioned seamlessly into the limited-overs format, becoming a crucial component of India’s ODI bowling lineup.
Since 2022, Siraj has been in sensational form, claiming 43 wickets in 23 ODIs at an impressive average of 18, with a strike rate of 24.6. Remarkably, 26 of these wickets have come during the powerplay overs, effectively guaranteeing at least one early breakthrough per match.
2. Shaheen Shah Afridi
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s sensational fast bowler, has cemented his place as the team’s premier bowler across all formats, consistently dismantling top batting line-ups with his exceptional skills. Known for his lethal impact with the new ball and precision in the death overs, Afridi is a complete package in any bowling attack.
Currently ranked No. 9 in the ICC ODI bowlers’ rankings, Afridi has the ability to challenge even the best, including legends like Kohli. Despite missing the Asia Cup last year due to a knee injury, he has been in stellar form, taking 30 wickets in 17 ODIs since the last World Cup, proving his worth as a key player for Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
1. Jasprit Bumrah
India’s sensational fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah needs no introduction. Renowned for his unique bowling action and remarkable skill, Bumrah quickly became the spearhead of India’s bowling attack across formats.
After nearly a year away from international cricket, Bumrah recently made a triumphant return, captaining India in the series against Ireland. He impressed immediately, claiming two wickets in his first over while showcasing slight adjustments to his run-up and bowling within his limits.
The Asia Cup 2023 will mark Bumrah’s much-anticipated return to ODI cricket after a year. His record in Asia is exceptional, with 63 of his 121 ODI wickets coming in the region at an impressive economy rate of 4.65. Remarkably, since his ODI debut in 2016, no other pacer has taken more wickets in Asia than Bumrah.