The Asia Cup 2025 is set to kick off on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bringing together eight of the strongest teams in Asia to compete
in the fast-paced T20 format. Each team has announced their squad, carefully balancing experience with emerging talent, and every team will look to start their campaign on a strong note.
While all squads have strengths and impressive match-winners, each team also has a noticeable weakness that could affect their performance. On that note, let us take a closer look at the primary weakness of each team heading into the tournament.
Team-wise one weakness for the tournament
Afghanistan
Afghanistan have become a formidable force in T20 cricket, primarily due to their top-tier bowling and explosive top-order batting. With players like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad, they are capable of turning games around single-handedly. However, despite this firepower, their middle-order is a significant concern.
Experienced players like Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai are available, but beyond them, the backup options in the middle-order are relatively inexperienced and inconsistent. This gap can become glaring in tight matches, particularly if the top-order fails to deliver.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh have steadily improved in T20 cricket over the last few years, particularly in terms of all-rounders and bowlers who can restrict runs effectively. Players like Mustafizur Rahman provide both wickets and control. However, the batting depth beyond the top order is a cause for concern for the Bangladesh team.
Litton Das and Jaker Ali can anchor innings but the team lacks consistent power-hitters who can accelerate scoring when needed. In T20 cricket, the ability to maintain a high scoring rate throughout the innings has become critical, and Bangladesh may struggle if their top-order falters.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an emerging team in the T20 format. Their squad has limited exposure of facing top-tier teams. While players like Babar Hayat, Kinchit Shah, and Anshuman Rath have shown promise in associate tournaments, the team’s overreliance on a few key performers is their primary weakness.
In high-pressure matches against stronger opponents, the overdependence can backfire if the key players fail to perform. Additionally, with little experience in major international tournaments, the squad may face challenges in handling pressure situations, particularly in close games.
India
India enter the Asia Cup as one of the favourites, boasting a star-studded lineup. Players like Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Hardik Pandya can dominate games, while bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy provide control and breakthroughs.
Despite this strength, India’s middle-order is a potential area of concern. Pandya is the primary all-rounder capable of stabilising the innings and accelerating the run rate, but relying solely on him may be risky. Other middle-order players like Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh have had inconsistent form recently, meaning the team’s ability to recover from a top-order collapse is not guaranteed.
Oman
Oman have steadily built a competitive T20 side, with a reliable top and middle-order batting lineup capable of scoring consistently. However, the team’s bowling department remains a significant area of concern. With several debutants included in the squad, the lack of experience could be exploited by more seasoned batting lineups.
While players like Sufyan Mehmood and Shakeel Ahmed have the potential to perform well, the overall bowling attack lacks depth and consistency. Oman’s success in the tournament may depend on these bowlers delivering under pressure, as any underperformance could result in the opposition posting or chasing high totals with relative ease.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s squad is known for their unpredictable performances. While they have match-winners in both batting and bowling, the all-rounder department is their primary vulnerability. Unlike other teams, Pakistan lack a reliable and experienced all-rounder who can contribute consistently in both batting and bowling.
The captain, Salman Agha, may carry additional responsibility, but without strong support from the all-rounders, the team could struggle in crucial phases of the game, especially in the middle overs.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s squad combines experience and youth, with players like Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga providing match-winning potential. However, the team has a tendency to rely heavily on the top-order for runs, while their middle-order struggles to maintain momentum.
This weakness is particularly visible during the middle overs, where failing to rotate strike can allow opponents to dominate the game. Without consistent support from the middle-order, Sri Lanka could face difficulties in posting competitive totals or chasing high scores.
United Arab Emirates
The hosts, UAE, have full reliance on their captain Muhammad Waseem. Their team was taken forward most of the time by heavy periods, and the other players needed to come up and show their best.
As they play in front of their home crowd they have an added pressure, and players from the complete squad had to jump into the game and bring the much needed win for the nation.
