The battle for continental supremacy will begin this Saturday, when six cricketing nations will clash to determine who is the best team in Asia. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Hong Kong will fight it out for the biggest prize in Asian cricket, scheduled to be played from September 15-26. Five-time champions India have rested regular skipper Virat Kohli for the tournament and Rohit Sharma will be leading the side in UAE as the ‘Men in Blue’ continue to prepare for next year’s World Cup in England. Shikhar Dhawan has been named vice-captain while Khaleel Ahmed is the new face in the squad. Here is the full squad list of the six participating teams – India: Rohit Sharma(C), Shikhar Dhawan (VC), KL Rahul, AT Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Kartik, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Y Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur and Khaleel Ahmed. Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews(c), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila Aponso, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Malinga Also Read: Asia Cup 2018 full schedule: Date and time of all the matches Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam Ul Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Asif Ali, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Fahim Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan, Usman Shinwari, Shaheen Afridi Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Ariful Haque, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Nazmul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Hider Rony, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque Afghanistan: Asghar Afghan (c), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Ihsanullah Janat, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Hashmat Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Najibullah Zadran, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Aftab Alam, Samiullah Shinwari, Munir Ahmad Kakar (wk), Sayed Ahmad Sherzad, Sharafudin Ashraf, Wafadar Hong Kong: Anshuman Rath(c), Aizaz Khan, Babar Hayat, Cameron McAulsan, Christopher Carter, Ehsan Khan, Ehsan Nawaz, Arshad Mohammad, Kinchit Shah, Nadeem Ahmed, Raag Kapur, Scott McKechnie, Tanveer Ahmed, Tanwir Afzal, Waqas Khan, Aftab Hussain<doc-sep>Lasith Malinga is back in the Sri Lanka 50-over squad for the Asia Cup 2018 and and the team expect great things from him as usual, despite the fact the man being 35 years old and not quite at his quickest any more. Malinga played the last of his 204 one-day internationals in September 2017, with mostly injuries keeping him out of international cricket for long stretches both before and after that appearance. Malinga though has been active in the Sri Lankan domestic circuit, and is now back in the national ODI side. A total of 301 ODI wickets at an average of 28.92 and an economy rate of 5.31 marks Malinga out as one of the best in the game when at his peak. Now, though, with Malinga returning to the squad around the time most teams are trying to get their ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 plans in place, it would seem that the veteran might be in the fray for one last splash at the marquee event - his fourth, if he makes it - and get a chance to add to his 43 wickets in 22 games, at a stunning average of 21.11. READ - Shehan Jayasuriya replaces injured Gunathilaka in Sri Lanka squad "I believe that Malinga fits into our equation for this tournament," said Chandika Hathurusingha, the Sri Lanka coach, before the team open their campaign against Bangladesh. "He is one of the best death bowlers in the world. In the last few matches, he has performed well and his fitness is up to the mark." The team's plans have been hampered somewhat, with Dinesh Chandimal, the senior batsman, and Danushka Gunathilaka, the batting all-rounder, dropping out with injuries. Niroshan Dickwella and Shehan Jayasuriya have come in as their replacements. Sri Lanka's campaign at the Asia Cup starts on the opening day against Bangladesh in Group B, and then they take on Afghanistan. "We don't take any team lightly and we have focused on aspects such as the dew and wet wickets which are the swaying challenges I see," said Hathurusingha about dealing with the conditions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where the matches will be played.<doc-sep>Bangladesh will start their campaign against Sri Lanka on September 29 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium in Chittagong The BCB Wednesday announced the 16-man squad for the U-19 Asia Cup 2018. Host Bangladesh have been pitted in Group B along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. India, Afghanistan, Nepal and the UAE make up Group A. Bangladesh will start their campaign against Sri Lanka on September 29 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium in Chittagong. The final will be held on October 7 in Dhaka. Squad Tawhid Hridoy (Captain), Shamim Hossain (Vice-Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tanim, Sajid Hossan Seam, Prantik Nawrose Nabil, Amite Hasan, Akbar Ali, Shahadat Hossain, Rakibul Hasan, Minhazur Rahman Mohanna, Mohammad Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mehedi Hasan, Mohammad Mirttunjoy Chowdhury Nipun and Avishek Das Stand-by: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Pritom Kumar, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Asadullah Hill Galib<doc-sep>Pakistan are currently placed fifth in the ICC ODI rankings. (AP Photo) Pakistan are currently placed fifth in the ICC ODI rankings. (AP Photo) Currently placed at the fifth in the ICC ODI rankings, Pakistan are all set to take part in the Asia Cup tournament in UAE. In their bid to lift their third Asia Cup title, Pakistan are expected to face stiff competition from the defending champions India, apart from four other Asian rivals – Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh. The men in green will start their campaign against debutant Hong Kong on September 16 and will take on arch-rivals India on September 19. The Pakistan squad that features in the tournament is blended with both fresh faces and experienced campaigners. Here is a look at Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad A look back at the last 5 matches between India and Pakistan Pakistan’s squad for Asia Cup: Fakhar Zaman, Imam Ul Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Asif Ali, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Fahim Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan, Usman Shinwari, Shaheen Afridi Sarfraz Ahmed Sarfraz Ahmed-led Pakistan will take on Scotland in two T20Is. (Source: File) Sarfraz Ahmed-led Pakistan will take on Scotland in two T20Is. (Source: File) The skipper Sarfraz Ahmed leads Pakistan in all the three formats of the game. The wicketkeeper-batsman led the side to their maiden ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. Pakistan, under his captaincy, rose to the top position in ICC T20 Team Rankings. Since his debut against India in 2007, he has played 90 ODIs. in which he has scored 1,748 runs at an average of 34.27. The 31-year old has scored 2 tons and 8 half centuries in his ODI career. Fakhar Zaman Fakhar Zaman has played in 18 ODIs with a batting average of 76.47. (Source: Twitter) Fakhar Zaman has played in 18 ODIs with a batting average of 76.47. (Source: Twitter) The 28-year-old Fakhar Zaman officially announced himself after he became the first Pakistan batsman to score an ODI double hundred (210 vs Zimbabwe) earlier this year. With a career strike-rate of 101.91, Zaman is known for his hard-hitting style. He also helped Pakistan clinch its first ICC Champions Trophy in England in 2017 with a match-winning ton against India. He has played 18 ODIs and has a career average of 76.47. Imam-Ul-Haq Imam-ul-Haq scored a century in his ODI debut against Sri Lanka. (Source: Twitter) Imam-ul-Haq scored a century in his ODI debut against Sri Lanka. (Source: Twitter) The nephew of former Pakistan skipper Inzamam Ul-Haq, Imam-Ul-Haq has played 9 ODIs. The 22-year-old scored a century in his ODI debut against Sri Lanka, making him the second Pakistani batsman to achieve this feat. Imam with Zaman also etched another landmark when the duo stitched a 304-run-partnership for the opening wicket in the fourth ODI against Zimbabwe in July. The left-handed batsman has amassed 544 runs in the 50-over format at an average of 68. Babar Azam Babar Azam scored 1973 runs with an average of 54.81. (AP Photo) Babar Azam scored 1973 runs with an average of 54.81. (AP Photo) Babar Azam is an experienced candidate and has featured in 46 ODIs for Pakistan. The 23-year old has scored 1,973 runs at an average of 54.81. The right-handed batsman has 8 ODI centuries and 7 fifties to his name. The middle-order batsman has also played 13 Tests and 20 T20Is for Pakistan. Asif Ali Asif Ali made his debut against Zimbabwe in July this year. In 5 ODIs, The 26-year-old has scored 114 runs with one fifty to his name. The right-handed batsman has also played 10 T20Is for Pakistan in which he has scored 158 runs at an average of 39 and a solid strike rate of 159.59. Hasan Ali Hasan Ali will play a major role in Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign in UAE. (Source: File) Hasan Ali will play a major role in Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign in UAE. (Source: File) Hasan Ali has played 33 ODIs for Pakistan. The seamer, who picked up 3 wickets for 19 runs, in the ICC Champions Trophy final against India, has taken 68 wickets in his 50-overs career. The 24-year-old also finished as Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy with 13 wickets in 5 matches. Mohammad Amir Mohammad Amir made an international comeback in January 2016 when Pakistan traveled to New Zealand. (File) Mohammad Amir made an international comeback in January 2016 when Pakistan traveled to New Zealand. (File) Mohammad Amir has been impressive for Pakistan since his return to cricket in 2015 after serving the five-year ban handed to him by the ICC for spot-fixing charges. In 43 ODIs, the left-arm seamer has taken 58 wickets at an average of 29.75. Junaid Khan Junaid Khan made his debut against West Indies in 2011 has played 69 matches for Pakistan in ODI format. (Source: AP) Junaid Khan made his debut against West Indies in 2011 has played 69 matches for Pakistan in ODI format. (Source: AP) Junaid Khan is another experienced candidate in the limited overs cricket, with 69 ODIs to his name. But with the presence of Amir and Ali in the bowling attack, the left-arm seamer may have to fight for his spot in the playing XI. The 24-year-old, who made his debut against West Indies in 2011, has 100 wickets under his name at an average of 28.21. Usman Khan Usman Khan made his debut last year against Sri Lanka. He was later recalled for the ODI series against Zimbabwe this year. In 6 ODIs, the left-arm seamer has taken 15 wickets at an average of 11.40. He could be one of the hidden wildcards in Pakistan’s arsenal in the tournament. Shaheen Afridi Pakistan 17-year-old fast bowler Shaheen Afridi (third from right) ran through Ireland with 6 for 15 in the U-19 World Cup tie. (Source: ICC) Pakistan 17-year-old fast bowler Shaheen Afridi (third from right) ran through Ireland with 6 for 15 in the U-19 World Cup tie. (Source: ICC) Shaheen Afridi may emerge as one of the rising stars in this edition of the Asia Cup.<doc-sep>
Asia Cup 2018 will begin with the opening game between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With Virat Kohli being rested for the Asia Cup, the leadership has been handed to Rohit Sharma as India will be looking to make it back-to-back titles when they kickstart their campaign in the UAE. Despite India's failure against England in the Test series and the absence of the run machine that is Kohli, India still have a strong team are one of the favorites for the tournament. India's only concern is the fact that they will have to play two games on the trot with the second game being against arch-rivals, Pakistan. The six teams are divided into two groups. Asia Cup Qualifiers Winners Hong Kong are in Group A along with India and Pakistan. Five-time winners Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are in Group B. India were scheduled to host this edition but the tournament has been moved to the UAE. The tournament will take place from September 15 to 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Here is the complete team list of all six teams: India squad: Rohit sharma (C), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshvar kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Khaleel Ahmed. Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Sarfraz Ahmed(c), Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Asif Ali, Mohammad Amir Sri Lanka Squad: Angelo Mathews(c), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila Aponso, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Malinga, Niroshan Dickwella, Shehan Jayasuriya Bangladesh Squad: Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Ariful Haque, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Nazmul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Hider Rony, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque Hong Kong squad: Anshuman Rath(c), Aizaz Khan, Babar Hayat, Cameron McAulsan, Christopher Carter, Ehsan Khan, Ehsan Nawaz, Arshad Mohammad, Kinchit Shah, Nadeem Ahmed, Nizakat Khan, Raag Kapur, Scott McKechnie, Tanveer Ahmed, Tanwir Afzal, Waqas Khan, Aftab Hussain Afghanistan Squad: Asghar Afghan(c), Mohammad Shahzad, Ihsanullah Janat, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Najibullah Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Aftab Alam, Samiullah Shenwari, Munir Ahmad, Sayed Shirzad, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Wafadar