Afghanistan arrives at the Asia Cup 2025 as the dark horse of the tournament-highly unpredictable,
immensely talented, and never to be underestimated. Over the past decade, Afghanistan has
evolved from a passionate associate nation into a full ACC member and a legitimate force in
white-ball cricket, particularly in the T20 format. Their 2022 victory over Sri Lanka and a near-upset
of Pakistan in previous Asia Cups speak volumes about their potential.
Team Composition and Key Players:
Afghanistan’s squad boasts a blend of explosive batting, world-class spin, and increasingly
disciplined fast bowling. At the top of the order, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provide a
dangerous right-handed opening pair. Gurbaz is an aggressive, fearless striker of the ball, capable
of dismantling attacks in the powerplay, while Ibrahim offers more composure and anchors the
innings when needed.
The middle order includes Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, and Azmatullah Omarzai. Najibullah
is known for his six-hitting ability, and Nabi, a seasoned all-rounder, remains the team’s tactical
general and finisher. Omarzai is fast emerging as a dependable lower-order hitter and useful
seam-bowling option.
Afghanistan’s strength, however, lies in its spin department. The trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur
Rahman, and Noor Ahmad can trouble even the most elite batters. Rashid, the talisman, is not only
the world’s premier T20 leg-spinner but also a sharp cricketing mind with immense leadershipexperience in global leagues. Mujeeb’s mystery spin in the powerplay and Noor Ahmad’s left-arm
variations make this one of the most potent spin arsenals in world cricket.
Pace bowling remains a developing area, but Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq offer growing
maturity and variations at the death.
Strengths:
1. Spin Supremacy: No other team can match Afghanistan’s spin depth and variety, especially in
subcontinental conditions.
2. Explosive Powerplay Starts: Gurbaz and Zadran give Afghanistan a strong edge in the first 6
overs.
3. Fearless Approach: Their bold batting and unorthodox bowling often rattle traditional top teams.
Weaknesses:
1. Inconsistent Middle Order: Though powerful, their middle order tends to collapse under
scoreboard pressure.
2. Fielding Gaps: Dropped catches and sloppy ground fielding have cost Afghanistan matches in the
past.
3. Inexperience in Close Finishes: The team has yet to master the art of closing tight games against
elite sides.
Recent Form:
Afghanistan had a strong 2024, beating Zimbabwe and Ireland convincingly, while also competing
fiercely against South Africa in a T20 series. In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, they exited at the
group stage, but not before putting up competitive totals and testing stronger teams.They enter the Asia Cup with wins in their warm-up matches against Oman and Hong Kong, with
Rashid Khan and Gurbaz in excellent form. Most of their players are also coming off strong
performances in franchise leagues such as the IPL, PSL, and BBL.
Asia Cup Journey:
Afghanistan made their Asia Cup debut in 2014 and have since been competitive in every edition.
They reached the Super Four stage in 2018, drawing praise for pushing Pakistan and India to the
brink. In the 2022 and 2023 editions, they were narrowly eliminated due to net run rate, reflecting
how close they are to a major breakthrough.
Tactical Game Plan:
Expect Afghanistan to bat aggressively in the powerplay and look to dominate the middle overs with
spin. Rashid is typically held back for overs 13-17, where he targets key opposition batters. Their
batting strategy has evolved to include more calculated aggression, with players like Omarzai and
Nabi providing late-over muscle.
Players to Watch:
– Rashid Khan: A global superstar with match-winning ability in both departments.
– Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Can take the game away in the first 6 overs.
– Mujeeb Ur Rahman: A powerplay menace with variations that challenge even the best.
– Azmatullah Omarzai: Emerging all-rounder with finishing skills and useful medium pace.
Fixture Watch:
Grouped with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong, Afghanistan has a realistic shot at reaching
the Super Four. Their matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be pivotal and are expected
to be closely contested.X-Factor:
Afghanistan’s ability to create chaos. Their spinners can run through batting lineups, and when their
batters click, they can chase or post intimidating totals. They do not fear reputations, which makes
them dangerous.
Key Points:
Afghanistan is no longer just a rising team-they are now a dangerous opponent for any top-tier
nation. Their journey in Asia Cup 2025 will be defined by their ability to handle pressure moments
and field with discipline. With arguably the best spin attack in the tournament and a batting lineup
that can explode, Afghanistan has the tools to reach the final-and perhaps even