More than a decade has passed for the Afghanistan Cricket team since Shapoor Zadran ran down the Dunedin outfield, following Afghanistan’s record-breaking first-ever victory in a Cricket World Cup.
That 2015 encounter against Scotland is still an iconic image, an example of a country overcoming adversity. Today, though, in 2025, Afghanistan is more than an inspiring fairytale. They’re serious business.
In the last decade, Afghanistan has developed from tournament rank outsiders to a force able to knock out giant cricketing nations. Boasting a combination of T20 stars and emerging homegrown stars, the time is right for them to eventually make the long walk from promise to trophies.
From Underdogs to Global Performers: Afghanistan Cricket team
When Rashid Khan made his IPL debut in 2017, not many could have forecasted the revolution he would create. Fast-forward to the present, and Rashid is the highest-wicket-taking T20 bowler in the world since 2017. But Afghanistan is not one-man anymore.
Names such as Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen ul Haq now regularly top franchise leagues all over the world. Even with individual brilliance, questions remain: why hasn’t Afghanistan won a large global trophy yet?
Asia Cup 2025: A Golden Opportunity
Coming into the Asia Cup 2025, Afghanistan is still reeling from a heartbreaking final loss. But momentum, particularly in the bowling unit, is strongly in their favor. This event may be the one that turns Afghanistan’s potential into podium finishes.
Squad and Probable XI
Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Squad:
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen ul Haq
Probable Playing XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Bowling: Afghanistan’s Ultimate Strength
Afghanistan’s bowling attack is perhaps the strongest in the Asia Cup 2025. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi are part of just seven bowlers in the world to have 100+ T20 wickets from January 2024. Rashid Khan: Caught his best form back in The Hundred and Sharjah tri-series.
AM Ghazanfar: Only 18 years old, this enigma spinner is already creating a buzz in global leagues. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Sharafuddin Ashraf: Provide spin variation through off-breaks and left-arm orthodox. This pace and deep spin duo provides Afghanistan with an apparent advantage in slow UAE conditions.
Batting: The Weak Link Holding Afghanistan Back
While the bowlers are sparkling, Afghanistan’s batting is still a work in progress. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have done the bulk of the scoring, but the middle order has repeatedly failed in pressure situations. Following the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal defeat against South Africa, head coach Jonathan Trott voiced the problem:
“We’ve been too dependent on Gurbaz and Ibrahim. We need regular middle-order batsmen to give us a genuine chance in matches.”
A year on, that remains the challenge. Guys like Azmatullah Omarzai have made some improvement, but more is required down the order.
Player to Watch: Sediqullah Atal
All attention will be on Sediqullah Atal, Afghanistan’s sole left-handed batsman in the top five. His 154 runs from four innings against the Sharjah tri-series depicted his talent. At 24, Atal might hold the solution to cracking the mystery of Afghanistan’s middle-order.
Key Matches to Watch
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh – September 16, Abu Dhabi
Bangladesh and Afghanistan have both taken similar paths, transforming from dark horses to strong white-ball teams. But when they meet on September 16, it’s Afghanistan that look poised to win a big title.
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka – September 19, Abu Dhabi
Sri Lanka may be struggling to be consistent, but with six Asia Cup titles, they are still a formidable adversary. Afghanistan needs to proceed with caution lest they suffer an upset against a team with pedigree-even if recent form leans their way.
Group Stage Schedule – Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2025
September 9: vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi
September 16: vs Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi
September 19: vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi
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