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The Asia Cup 2025 is set to be a landmark tournament, showcasing the finest cricket talent across Asia in the thrilling T20 format. Scheduled to take place from September 9-28 in the United Arab Emirates, this continental championship will feature eight teams competing across Dubai and Abu Dhabi venues. The tournament follows a unique format with two groups of four teams each, leading to a Super Four stage and ultimately the final.
Pakistan’s resurgence against West Indies sets positive tone for Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan‘s recent tour of the West Indies has provided encouraging signs ahead of the Asia Cup. The Men in Green secured a commendable 2-1 victory in the T20I series, with matches played in Lauderhill, Florida. The series showcased Pakistan’s new leadership under captain Salman Ali Agha, who successfully guided the team through challenging encounters.
The series began with Pakistan posting 178/6 in the first T20I, with Saim Ayub‘s impressive 57 off 38 balls leading the charge. Pakistan’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Mohammad Nawaz‘s 3/23, restricted the West Indies to 164/7 for a 14-run victory. The second match saw a dramatic finish as West Indies chased down 134 runs with Jason Holder‘s unbeaten 30 proving decisive in a 2-wicket victory. Pakistan bounced back emphatically in the decider, with Sahibzada Farhan‘s magnificent 74 off 53 balls powering them to 189/4, before bowling out West Indies for 176/6 to seal a 13-run victory and the series.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s probable comeback in Pakistan’s predicted squad for Asia Cup 2025
Perhaps the most significant development is Shaheen Shah Afridi‘s return to the T20I setup after missing the Bangladesh series. The left-arm speedster’s comeback was marked by his impressive performance in the ODI series against West Indies, where he claimed 4/51 in the opening match, helping Pakistan bowl out the hosts for 280. His return strengthens Pakistan’s new-ball attack considerably, with his experience and wicket-taking ability crucial for Asia Cup success.
Shaheen’s inclusion alongside Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali creates a formidable pace trio. The 25-year-old fast bowler, who has 102 wickets in 79 T20Is, brings both leadership qualities and match-winning capabilities to the squad. His presence also provides Pakistan with left-arm variety, crucial in disrupting opposition batting rhythms.
Based on the recent West Indies tour squad and current form, Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 lineup is expected to feature an exciting combination of emerging talents and seasoned campaigners. The predicted 15-member squad includes:
- Batters: Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Farhan, and Hasan Nawaz form a dynamic batting core, with Mohammad Haris providing wicket-keeping duties.
- All-rounders: Captain Agha leads from the front, supported by Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, and the explosive Khushdil Shah.
- Bowlers: The pace attack features the returning Shaheen alongside Rauf and Hasan, while the spin department includes Abrar Ahmed and the promising Sufyan Muqim.
Here’s how Pakistan’s predicted Asia Cup 2025 squad looks like:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Haris, Muhammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Muqim.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: UAE Cricket Board COO addresses concerns over India-Pakistan clash
