The T20 World Cup 2024 made it clear, that Afghanistan can not only spring a surprise in the tournament, but can also progress to the knockout stages as well. Back then they reached the semis, and now, come the Asia Cup 2025, they might have the chance to go all the way, and win the tournament. After all, they just have the kind of players, who can beat India too, on their given day.
Just before getting started with SWOT for Afghanistan, it is important to give their H-2-H performances against rest of the opponents, to understand how dangerous they can be. Versus Pakistan in 9 T20Is, they have won three and lost five. Against Bangladesh in 12 matches, they have emerged victorious 7 times, and have faced defeats 5 times.
They have a decent record against Sri Lanka too, where they have won 3 and lost 5. So, their main competition, in all likelihood should be India. Now, let’s get down to business.
Strengths & Opportunities: Excellent Spin Attack, Given Slow UAE Conditions
Spin attack: It goes without saying that Afghanistan has a great spin bowling attack, perhaps second to India, or maybe as good. For starters they have Rashid Khan, who is the highest wicket-taker in the format. Then there is Noor Ahmad, the CSK chinaman bowler, who picked up 24 wickets in 14 IPL 2025 matches. Not to forget Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, who has an economy of 6 in the format.
Presence of all-rounders: The Rashid Khan-led side is lucky to have all-rounders in abundance. Just about any player can bat/bowl in their side. Azmatullah Omarzai is one of the best in the business, at least in white-ball cricket. Then there is the seasoned Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib and even Karin Janat. Sharafuddin Ashraf, though unknown, is a good all-rounder. In short, they are spoilt for choices.
IPL exposure: What these Afghani players get now, the rest of the Asian sides don’t get in abundance; which is IPL exposure. Yes, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka have a few in the league, Pakistan has none, but Afghani players are preferred choice for the franchises. Most of the players in the squad have great IPL experience under their name.
Weaknesses & Threats: Good Batters, But Can Get Under Pressure
Chasing a problem: Although the ACB has compiled a great squad, but then they tend to choke under pressure, while chasing. Openers play a key role, and if they fail to fire, that puts a lot of pressure on the batters to follow.
Weight of Expectations: After their semis appearance in the WC, now their next target should be winning the Asia Cup. But that could just add a lot of pressure of expectations on the team. On player-to-player level, they might be better than Pakistan too, but they still need some time to develop big-stage temperament.
Afghanistan Full Squad Asia Cup 2025
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
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