Afghanistan enter the Asia Cup 2025 with growing confidence and a well-rounded squad that blends experience with exciting young talent. Under the leadership of Rashid Khan, the team has evolved into a serious contender in Asian cricket, boasting one of the most potent spin attacks in the world and a batting lineup that has become far more consistent. With the tournament being held in spin-friendly UAE conditions, Afghanistan have a golden opportunity to make a deep run and even aim for their maiden Asia Cup final.
- Tournament: Sep 9–28, 2025 • Format: T20I • Venue: UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
- Group: Afghanistan in Group B with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong
- Opener: Sep 9 vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, 7:30 PM IST
- Core Idea: Build around world-class spin with enough pace at the death and flexible all-rounders.
Afghanistan’s Full Squad (Confirmed List)
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 Ahmad Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Afghanistan Probable Playing XI (as things stand)
This XI reflects the latest consensus and balance for UAE conditions.
| No. | Player | Role | What they offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) | Top-order batter, keeper | Powerplay hitting, boundary options early |
| 2 | Ibrahim Zadran | Top-order batter | Stability, strike rotation |
| 3 | Sediqullah Atal | Batter | Left-handed option, keeps field spread |
| 4 | Darwish Rasooli | Middle-order batter | Anchor through overs 7–15 |
| 5 | Azmatullah Omarzai | Batting all-rounder (seam) | Pace-hitting + 2 overs of seam |
| 6 | Karim Janat | All-rounder (seam) | Finishing + hard lengths in middle |
| 7 | Mohammad Nabi | All-rounder (off-spin) | Experience, match-ups vs left-handers |
| 8 | Rashid Khan (c) | Leg-spin all-rounder | Strike spin, leadership, lower-order punch |
| 9 | Fazalhaq Farooqi | Left-arm fast | New-ball swing, early wickets |
| 10 | Noor Ahmad | Left-arm wrist-spin | Mystery angle alongside Rashid |
| 11 | Naveen-ul-Haq | Fast-medium | Death overs, cutters for dry decks |
Bench & Tactical Swaps
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman ↔ Noor Ahmad: choose based on match-ups and pitch (more grip = Mujeeb’s PP overs; more bounce/lefties = Noor).
- Allah Ghazanfar (young leg-spinner): extra spin on very slow tracks.
- Gulbadin Naib / Sharafuddin Ashraf: experience or extra spin-batting depth.
- Farid Ahmad Malik: left-arm pace rotation.
- Mohammad Ishaq: reserve keeper/top-order cover.
Why This XI Works in the UAE
- Spin is the spearhead: Rashid + Noor (or Mujeeb) + Nabi can deliver 12–16 overs of control and wickets on slow surfaces.
- Death-overs plan: Naveen’s variations + Farooqi’s yorkers/cutters cover the last 5 overs.
- Flexible middle: Omarzai and Janat add two seam options and finishing power, letting Afghanistan chase or set totals with calm.
- Top-order balance: Gurbaz’s early acceleration pairs with Ibrahim’s stability; Atal adds a left-handed angle; Rasooli anchors the middle.
Afghanistan’s Group Fixtures (IST)
| Date | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 9 | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong | Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM |
| Sep 16 | Afghanistan vs Bangladesh | Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM |
| Sep 18 | Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka | Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM |
- Format: Top two from Group B enter the Super Four (Sep 20–26).
- Final: Sep 28, Dubai, 7:30 PM IST.
Strengths, Watchpoints & Key Roles
Strengths
- World-class spin trio: Rashid, Nabi, and one of Noor/Mujeeb can suffocate run-rates and take wickets in clumps.
- All-rounder depth: Omarzai and Janat provide balance; several players contribute with bat and ball.
- Fielding & energy: Agile unit well-suited to two-pace outfields and big square boundaries.
Watchpoints
- Starts vs spin in middle overs: Keeping momentum after the powerplay is vital.
- Death overs with set batters: Executing yorkers and slower balls consistently is key on flat nights.
- Chasing under dew: Grip can change late; batting order flexibility matters.
Read more: Asia Cup Team Coaches
Players to Watch
- Rashid Khan: Captain, match-up master, strike bowler.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Tone-setter in the powerplay.
- Azmatullah Omarzai: Balance piece—finishing with bat, handy seam overs.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: Early wickets swing games; also useful at the death.
- Noor Ahmad / Mujeeb Ur Rahman: The third spinner choice that completes the attack.
How Afghanistan Can Reach the Final
- Beat Hong Kong cleanly to bank NRR early.
- Target one of Bangladesh/Sri Lanka to top the group.
- Carry spin-heavy plans into Super Four, adjust only if pitches quicken.
- Death-overs discipline wins tight UAE finishes.
Read more: – Afghanistan Cricket Schedule for Upcoming Matches
Summery
Afghanistan arrive with a clear identity: elite spin, smart pace at the death, and enough power-hitting to win in the UAE. If the surfaces play slow—as expected—this probable XI gives them a genuine shot at the Super Four and, with momentum, a crack at the final.
