India vs Bangladesh, Asia Cup final: Five players to watch out for

From Virat Kohli to Tamim Iqbal, a look at those who could turn the game in their side’s favour in the final

India will play Bangladesh in the final of the Asia Cup T20 on Sunday, in a bid to successfully finish their final preparatory tournament ahead of the World T20 at home.

MS Dhoni, second from right, will look to capture India’s 6th Asia Cup trophy, and the first in the T20 format. (AFP Photo)

A win will give them their 10th victory out of their last 11 T20 internationals, as well as their third successive T20 series win.

Here’s HT’s key players from both sides for the Asia Cup final:

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli will be expected to provide another composed innings for India in the Asia Cup final against Bangladesh.

The number three batsman has been India’s main-stay in the batting order through the Asia Cup. His fine knocks of 49 against Pakistan and 56* against Sri Lanka paved the way for India’s entry into the final. More of the same will be expected from him in the final.

Having already got the better of Bangladesh bowlers, Rohit Sharma will be expected to do the same for India.

The opening batsman’s knock of 83 against Bangladesh in the opening tie, set the ball rolling for India in the Asia Cup. Facing the same opponents again, his side will be hoping for another impressive showing from the 28-year-old.

Ashish Nehra

India’s Ashish Nehra unsuccessfully makes an LBW appeal during the Asia Cup Twenty20 international cricket match against Sri Lanka.

India’s pace spearhead has ensured that the opposition batsmen have been kept in check whenever India has taken the field. Leading a relatively young pacers in Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, the onus will be on Nehra to lead by example in the high-stakes clash.

Tamim Iqbal

Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal will be key against India.

Known for his flamboyant style of batting, the opener will be a threat to India’s bowlers. After missing the initial part of the tournament, Iqbal was back into the side for the game against Pakistan. His form in the Pakistan Super League was impressive and he will look to bring that form into play on the big occasion.

Al-Amin Hossain

Al-Amin Hossain can make a claim for a permanent spot in the Bangladesh side with a good showing against India in the final on Sunday.

Bangladesh’s lead pace bowler has been a surprise package in this Asia Cup. After the injury ruled out ace pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the tournament, Al-Amin did not let his absence felt. He is currently leading the wicket-taking charts of the main draw with 10 wickets in four games. In the final, he will be hoping to add a few more to his tally.