The Asia Cup 2025 begins on Tuesday, September 9, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the opening match in Abu Dhabi. The tournament will be played in the T20 format across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, making it the perfect build-up for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Eight teams will be part of the event-India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Oman, Hong Kong, and UAE. With shorter boundaries, flat pitches, and the pressure of international cricket, fans can expect a run-fest. However, the dry UAE conditions will also bring spinners into play, keeping the balance between bat and ball.
Here’s a look at the five batters who could finish as the top run-scorers of Asia Cup 2025.
5. Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan opener Sediqullah Atal has been in fine touch recently. The 24-year-old left-hander showed his talent in the UAE Tri-Series, where he scored 154 runs in just four games with two half-centuries.
Though his overall T20I record is still developing (250 runs in 13 matches), Atal has the technique and aggression to shine. Since the Asia Cup is being held in Dubai, where he already tasted success, fans expect him to play a few match-winning knocks.
If Afghanistan are to make a strong impact, Atal’s quick starts at the top will be crucial.
4. Litton Das (Bangladesh)
Bangladesh captain Litton Das is the backbone of his team’s batting. The right-handed wicketkeeper-batter has been consistent in the shorter format, and his recent form is encouraging. In the home series against the Netherlands, Litton scored 145 runs in three games, including two fifties at a strike rate of nearly 156.
With over 110 T20Is and 2,500 international runs to his name, Litton’s experience will be vital. Bangladesh have often relied on him to steady the innings or accelerate when needed. If he clicks, the Tigers could easily find themselves in the knockout stages.
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3. Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
Another Afghan batter on this list is Ibrahim Zadran, who has been their most reliable performer in recent years. During the UAE Tri-Series, he topped the charts with 194 runs in five matches, showing both consistency and power.
Zadran already has 1,299 T20I runs in 49 games, with 10 half-centuries. His ability to anchor the innings while still maintaining a healthy strike rate makes him a big asset. Having played key roles in the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup, Zadran knows how to handle big stages.
Together with Sediqullah Atal, he could form one of the most dangerous opening pairs in the tournament.
2. Shubman Gill (India)
India’s vice-captain for Asia Cup 2025, Shubman Gill, is set to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma. Gill’s form in the IPL 2025 was remarkable, where he smashed 650 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 155.
Although he did not play much T20I cricket before the 2024 T20 World Cup, Gill’s IPL success and maturity make him one of India’s biggest hopes. With captain Suryakumar Yadav returning from injury, Gill’s responsibility at the top becomes even more important.
India’s batting strength often decides their campaign’s fate, and Gill’s role will be to give them solid starts.
1. Abhishek Sharma (India)
The player to watch out for is none other than Abhishek Sharma. The young left-hander has been backed by the management to open the innings, and he has justified the faith. Against England earlier this year, Abhishek was unstoppable, scoring 279 runs in five games at an average of 55.80 and a strike rate of 219.
In the IPL 2025, he continued his explosive form with 439 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of nearly 193. His fearless batting, especially in the powerplay, gives India a huge advantage.
Abhishek has the ability to not just score runs but also score them quickly, which could make him the leading run-getter of Asia Cup 2025.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav Opens Up On Sanju Samson’s Place In India XI
