A noteworthy contest is slated for September 14 in Dubai, where long-standing rivals India and Pakistan will clash in the Asia Cup 2025. With both squads aiming to establish their strength in a competition viewed as a lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2026, attention will be focused on this thrilling encounter under the stadium lights.
A young side gears up for a significant face-off
The roster for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 showcases a revamped selection, notably omitting prominent batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. This choice indicates a change in strategy for the squad, moving away from relying on established players to promoting a more energetic and assertive form of T20 cricket. Under the direction of their newly appointed captain Salman Ali Agha, a youthful and spirited team has been tasked to perform against the best on the continent. This event presents an opportunity for these emerging talents to emerge from anonymity and demonstrate their capability on a major platform, featuring a redesigned middle-order and a bowling unit that promises to be remarkably effective.
Pakistan’s anticipated lineup against India in the Asia Cup 2025:
1 .Fakhar Zaman: An imposing left-handed opening batter known for injecting explosive hitting at the start of the innings. Having participated in 97 T20I matches, he has accumulated 1,949 runs with a strike rate exceeding 131, affirming his impact as a match-changer.
2. Saim Ayub: A promising young player, Saim Ayub is known for his bold and attacking style of play. His presence ensures an energetic start to the innings, and his recent performances in domestic tournaments have been impressive.
3. Saud Shakeel: A technically skilled and adaptable left-handed batter. His role will be crucial in solidifying the middle order, and his ability to keep the scoreboard ticking and rotate the strike will be essential.
4. Mohammad Haris (wk): As a wicketkeeper-batter, he is known for his aggressive approach in the middle order. With a T20I strike rate of 144.81 across 23 matches, his powerful hitting renders him an invaluable asset.
5. Salman Ali Agha (c): As the newly designated captain, Salman Ali Agha is an all-rounder skilled in off-spin. His contributions will be expected with the bat in the middle order, alongside his useful off-spin deliveries.
6. Iftikhar Ahmed: A well-known all-rounder, Iftikhar Ahmed has the potential to deliver impactful hits and bowl skillful off-spin. He will be essential in bringing both strength and experience to the team’s lower-middle order.
7. Shadab Khan: A leading leg-spinner for Pakistan and a reliable batter in the lower order. Distinguished as Pakistan’s most accomplished T20I bowler with 112 wickets in 112 matches, his comprehensive skill set establishes him as a fundamental part of the team.
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi: The key fast bowler within the team. His intense left-arm speed and mastery in swinging the ball at the beginning make him a consistent threat, demonstrated through his impressive record of 104 T20I wickets over 81 matches.
9. Naseem Shah: A youthful and enthusiastic fast bowler recognized for his rapid speed and precision. Forming a strong alliance with Shaheen, he has a talent for securing important wickets, having claimed 25 wickets across 30 T20Is.
10. Haris Rauf: Haris Rauf is a right-arm fast bowler known for his high-speed deliveries. His capacity to deliver rapid and precise yorkers in the final overs serves as a key strength for Pakistan.
11. Usama Mir: Usama Mir is skilled in wrist-spin, offering essential breakthroughs during the middle overs. His leg-spin will play a significant role in managing the scoring rate.
