5 Youngest Players to Watch in Asia Cup 2023

Asia Cup 2023 began on 30 August as Pakistan thrashed Nepal in the opening game in Multan. Big-name players from each team are and will be in action. But, there are some young players from each squad who can come up as a surprising factor for the opposition. Young players are known for their fearless approach and hence, fans will hope to find some terrific young talents who can light up the cricketing world in the coming days.   

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Here are the Top Five Youngest Players to Watch in Asia Cup 2023:

5. Matheesha Pathirana, Sri Lanka:

Matheesha Pathirana (Image Source: Twitter)

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This 20-year-old pacer from Sri Lanka has managed to develop a reputation in the world of cricket as his slinky action reminds every fan of another Sri Lanka legend, Lasith Malinga. Matheesha Pathirana won the IPL 2023 while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as he picked up 19 wickets in 12 matches. Then, he made his ODI debut at Hambantota against Afghanistan. 

Still, now, this 2002-born pacer has played five ODIs and grabbed just four wickets, at an economy of 6.48. He was in action in the 2023 ODI World Cup qualifier which Sri Lanka won but he only managed three wickets. Pathirana took 12 wickets in eight matches in the recently concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL).  

4. Mohammad Haris, Pakistan:

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Mohammad Haris (Image Source: Twitter)

This star young batter has been enjoying a great time in his career in the last few months. First, Mohammad Haris led Pakistan A to the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup title in Sri Lanka. They defeated India A in the final. Then, he played a vital role for Surrey Jaguars in the Global T20 (GT20) Canada as his team finished runners-up. 

Then, this 22-year-old batter was instrumental for B-Love Kandy as they won the LPL after defeating Dambulla Aura in the final. In seven matches, he scored 213 runs, including two fifties. However, this 2001-born batter has managed a difficult start in ODIs as he has scored only 27 runs in four innings, at an average of only nine. 

3. Tilak Varma, India:

Tilak Varma (Image Source: Twitter)

This Mumbai Indians (MI) batter showed his class and consistency in the last two IPL seasons. In 2022, he scored 397 runs while in 2023, Varma smashed 343 runs. As a reward, he made his T20I debut in the recent series in West Indies. After that, this 20-year-old batter played in the three-match T20I series in Ireland. In seven matches, he has scored 174 runs, including one fifty. 

Now, in this ongoing Asia Cup, he received his maiden ODI call-up to Team India. However, he has also bagged one wicket with his off-spin. So, his all-round ability and ability to bat in the middle order while being a left-hander, can help him to earn a place in the playing XI. However, this 2002-born batter is most likely not to get a chance as other experienced options are available also.     

2. Tanzid Hasan, Bangladesh:

Tanzid Hasan (Image Source: Twitter)

This 22-year-old young batter is one of the youngest players to watch out for in this ongoing Asia Cup. Litton Das got ruled out of the competition and hence, he was handed his ODI debut cap against Sri Lanka on 31 August 2023 in the second game of this ongoing tournament. But, he failed to deliver as Tanzid Hasan got out for a two-ball duck.

Recently, this 2000-born batter was in action in the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. In that tournament, Hasan scored 179 runs in four innings, including three fifties. Even, in the semi-final clash against India A, he scored 51 runs off 56 balls, including eight fours. In 34 YODIs, he has 1018 runs to his name, including eight fifties and one century.    

1. Noor Ahmad, Afghanistan:

Noor Ahmad (Image Source: Twitter)

This 18-year-old had a stellar IPL 2023 season for Gujarat Titans as Noor Ahmad picked up 16 wickets in 13 matches. Then, recently, he did well in the recent LPL while representing Dambulla Aura. This 2005-born left-arm wrist spinner grabbed 12 wickets in eight matches. In the final against B-Love Kandy, he took three wickets.

Till now, Noor has played three ODIs and took two wickets, at an economy of 7.42. But, his numbers in YODIs are astonishing. In 20 YODIs, this Afghan spinner has taken 39 wickets, at an average of 16.66 with an economy of 3.93. Hence, in the spinning-friendly conditions of Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Noor can produce some magic in this ongoing tournament.

Also Check: India's strongest playing XI for ODI Asia Cup 2023