After making it to the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup and performing well in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan are ready to keep building their success in world cricket.

For years, India have been the top team in Asia, but Afghanistan have now become the second-best. Their rise has been quicker than Pakistan’s up-and-down journey, steadier than Sri Lanka’s rare wins, and stronger than Bangladesh’s fading challenge.

Afghanistan now has some of the best T20 players in the world, with their bowling attack being their biggest strength. Their spin department is world-class, and their batting line-up has the power to challenge any opposition.

Spin-powered but balanced squad

The 17-member squad, led by Rashid Khan, is heavy on spin but also has balance, mixing experienced campaigners with exciting youngsters. Afghanistan have been drawn in Group B with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and they will start their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong.

Sixteen-year-old Allah Ghazanfar is an exciting name, already boasting two ODI five-wicket hauls and IPL experience. His presence adds a new spark to the spin attack.

Pace attack gets a boost

Naveen-ul-Haq’s return after stepping away from ODIs strengthens the pace unit, even though he will miss the T20I tri-series before the Asia Cup. Abdullah Ahmadzai will step in for him during that series. Ghazanfar also returns after an injury break, further bolstering the bowling line-up.

While bowling is Afghanistan’s biggest strength, batting depth remains a concern. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have been reliable at the top, often giving quick starts. Afghanistan rely heavily on their all-rounders – Karim, Omarzai, Rashid, and Nabi – to cover batting gaps, but none of them are specialist batters. Darwish Rasooli was expected to grow into that role, yet in 12 T20Is since 2022, he has struggled to make an impact.

Bench strength and concerns

The bench doesn’t offer much batting cover either. Apart from wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq, who has scored 76 runs in five matches, there are no recognised batters waiting in the wings. Both Rasooli and Ishaq remain vulnerable links in the squad. Dropping someone like Sharafuddin Ashraf for a specialist batter could have given the team more balance.

Since Jonathan Trott took over as head coach in 2022, Afghanistan have developed into a more complete side. While spin remains their backbone, both the batting and pace departments have stepped up during big tournaments. That experience will be crucial in the Asia Cup.

Afghanistan’s Asia Cup T20 record

Afghanistan are yet to reach an Asia Cup T20 final, with only four wins in eight matches so far. But this time feels different. Given their strong run at the 2024 T20 World Cup and their balanced squad, they will enter the tournament as one of the favourites.

Recent T20I form

Afghanistan’s T20I record after the World Cup has been mixed. They won an away series in Zimbabwe but lost heavily to Pakistan in the UAE tri-series final. Still, with players like Rashid, Nabi, and Mujeeb playing in leagues across India, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, and the UAE, their exposure to top-level cricket keeps them sharp.

Afghanistan’s Asia Cup squad

Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Predicted XI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Noor Ahmad, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq.

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