The Afghanistan cricket team is poised to make its mark in the 2025 Asia Cup. Under the leadership of Rashid Khan, Afghanistan has shown its strength in the triangular series held in Sharjah, defeating both the host nation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Pakistan.
By overcoming Pakistan, Afghanistan has made a clear statement: their ambition is not just to cause upsets but to aim for the title itself. Defeating Afghanistan in the Asia Cup will be challenging, given their robust lineup of spin bowlers.
The squad boasts names like Allah Ghazanfar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Captain Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi. These bowlers are known for disrupting opponents on the spin-friendly pitches of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, intensifying the concerns of Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.
Facing the Spin Wizardry of Ghazanfar and Noor!
With vast experience in T20 Internationals, Captain Rashid Khan, a leg-spinner, has claimed 167 wickets in 99 matches, making him the highest wicket-taker in this format. Off-spinner Mohammad Nabi, with 101 wickets in 135 matches, adds further depth. Mujeeb, another potent off-spinner, has captured 64 wickets in 51 T20I games.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Allah Ghazanfar's mystery balls pose significant challenges for opposing batsmen. Ghazanfar has taken 25 wickets across his brief stint in 1 Test, 11 ODIs, and 1 T20I, with two five-wicket hauls in ODIs. His ability to deliver both off-break and leg-break deliveries makes him a formidable right-arm spinner.
Source: aajtak
Chinaman bowler Noor Ahmad is also recognized as a mystery spinner. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Noor Ahmad delivered a stellar performance for Chennai Super Kings, claiming 24 wickets in 14 matches. His impressive record includes taking a total of 19 wickets in 13 ODIs and 15 T20Is.
Left-arm spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf is another talent seeking opportunities during the Asia Cup. Ashraf, 30, has taken 11 wickets in 20 T20I matches for Afghanistan. At least four spinners are expected to feature in Afghanistan's playing XI as they navigate their group stage.
Afghanistan's Group Matches (Asia Cup)
versus Hong Kong, September 9, Abu Dhabiversus Bangladesh, September 16, Abu Dhabiversus Sri Lanka, September 18, Abu Dhabi
Afghanistan's Squad for the Asia Cup:
Rashid Khan (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq (Wicketkeeper), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Ahmed, Fazlhaq Farooqi, and Naveen-ul-Haq.
