All-time greatest ODI left-handed XI from Asia
It may not be far-fetched to claim that Asia is the spiritual hub of ODI cricket. The likes of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka occupy three of the top four places in the list of teams with most ODI appearances. Despite their relatively late entrance into the club, even Bangladesh have played as many as 335 matches thus far. Among all three formats of the game, they appear most comfortable in the 50-over version.
Also Read: All-time Asia ODI XI
In this particular segment, let us try and assemble a star-studded lineup comprising only left-handed cricketers. While specialist batsmen vying for places must be left-handers, their bowling counterparts have to be left-armers. Only for all-rounders, both criteria are factored into account in order to hone in on the best southpaws. Statistics for all active cricketers are accurate as of 3rd January, 2018.
#5 Openers
For his impressive all-round skills, Sanath Jayasuriya is almost a certain starter in most all-time ODI XIs. One of the preeminent pioneers in taking the attack to the bowlers right from the outset, the Sri Lankan stalwart was a major draw-card during the 1990s and early 2000s. From a whopping 445 ODIs, the left-hander amassed 13430 runs at an average of 32.36 and strike-rate of 91.20 with 28 centuries and 68 fifties. 323 wickets at an economy-rate of 4.78 vindicate his prowess with the ball as well.
Selecting Jayasuriya's opening partner was a tricky task. Remorseless accumulators of runs like Gautam Gambhir and dynamic operators such as Shikhar Dhawan have solid cases for entering the equation. However, Saeed Anwar gets the nod for his remarkable track record on tougher pitches and against more challenging bowling attacks. The stylish stroke-maker from Pakistan played 247 ODIs and scored 8824 runs at an average of 39.21 and strike-rate of 80.67 with 20 centuries and 43 fifties.