**T20 Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan’s Journey and Performance Analysis**
The T20 Asia Cup 2025 is currently underway in the UAE, with Pakistan entering the tournament on the back of a confident and impressive run, having recently won the T20 Tri-Nation Series. Their triumph in the final against Afghanistan was a significant morale booster, setting high expectations for their Asia Cup campaign.
### Pakistan’s Asia Cup Campaign So Far
Pakistan kicked off their Asia Cup journey against Oman, delivering a commanding performance. Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 160/7. Wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Haris, batting at number 3, impressed with a brilliant 66 off 43 balls, striking at an impressive rate of 153.48, including 3 sixes and 7 boundaries.
The bowling unit then dismantled Oman’s batting lineup, bowling them out for a mere 67 runs in just 16.4 overs. The highlight was Pakistan’s spin attack combination — the spin trio of Muhammad Nawaz, Sufyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed — alongside the experienced Saim Ayub, who collectively shared the wickets and flattened the opposition with great control.
### Clash Against India: A Need for Improvement
Pakistan’s second match saw a tough rivalry clash against arch-rivals India, where unfortunately, Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat. Opting to bat first, Pakistan managed only a below-par 127/9. Nevertheless, Shaheen Afridi’s quickfire cameo of 33 not out off just 16 balls, featuring 4 sixes, was a silver lining batting at number 9.
India chased down the modest target comfortably in 15.5 overs, led by skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 47 off 37 balls. Notably, Shaheen Afridi targeted the key Indian bowlers, including Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, hitting powerful sixes and boundaries. This signified that these bowlers can be vulnerable and are targetable, raising questions about Pakistan’s top-order batsmen’s struggles.
### Batting Concerns and Strategy Suggestions
It becomes clear that Pakistan’s batting approach needs urgent revision. The current “kamikaze” style is self-destructive and ineffective against disciplined bowling attacks. Instead, Pakistan should adopt a balanced method combining flair with stability, mixing strike rotation with boundary hitting.
A one-dimensional assault won’t suffice; calculated aggression anchored by strategic innings-building is essential to set or chase formidable totals. Proper cricketing shots and shot selection must be emphasized. For example, had Pakistan posted around 170 against India, the chase could have been far more challenging for their opponents, given Pakistan’s dynamic bowling arsenal featuring both pace and spin options.
Shaheen Afridi was the standout bowler for Pakistan in this match, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in 4 overs. However, the batting line-up must consistently provide defendable totals for such a well-rounded bowling unit.
### Team Composition and Batting Order Adjustments
Wicket-taking spinner Sufyan Muqeem remains a vital asset for Pakistan and deserves continued backing with consistent opportunities. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub has struggled with the bat, registering three consecutive ducks in Asia Cup games. It may be worth experimenting by promoting Fakhar Zaman — who is in good form — to an opening position and pushing Ayub to number 3. Fakhar has a successful history opening for Pakistan and can stabilize the top order.
Pakistan’s latest match in the initial round against UAE was a must-win, and they delivered, progressing to the Super Four stage. Despite Saim Ayub’s continued batting woes, Fakhar Zaman scored a crucial 50 off 36 balls, anchored by Shaheen Afridi’s explosive 29 off 14 from the lower order. Pakistan posted 146/9, then restricted UAE to 105, with the bowling attack once again firing on all cylinders.
### Reading Spin: An Area for Improvement
One noticeable challenge for Pakistan’s batsmen has been reading spin bowling from the hand. Except for Captain Salman Agha, most have had difficulty adjusting to variations. The batsmen should train more on reading the spin from the pitch and preparing for the deliveries accordingly.
Additionally, reconsidering the batting order to maximize player strengths could be beneficial. For example, opening with Muhammad Haris and Fakhar Zaman could best utilize Haris’ timing and skill during the powerplay overs. Haris’ courageous innings of 41 runs off 20 balls in Auckland against New Zealand in 2024 showcased his ability to accelerate and clear the boundary efficiently.
### Looking Ahead: Super Four Round and Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s first Super Four match will be a high-octane rematch against India on September 21. Learning from previous encounters and refining their batting approach will be crucial.
Reflecting on their recent Tri-Nation Series final victory against Afghanistan in Sharjah, Pakistan displayed sheer dominance. Facing a spin-friendly and tricky surface, Pakistan managed a respectable 141/8 batting first. Coach Mike Hesson and Skipper Salman Agha were confident that the total would be challenging for Afghan batsmen.
In response, Afghanistan was bowled out for just 66 runs in 15.5 overs. The specialist spin trio of Nawaz, Abrar, and Muqeem were instrumental, with Muhammad Nawaz particularly standing out, claiming 5 wickets including a hat-trick, while maintaining an economy rate of 4.75. Nawaz also contributed with a valuable 25-run cameo earlier. Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategy effectively gave Afghanistan a taste of their own medicine on home conditions.
### Conclusion
Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 Asia Cup 2025 has been a mixture of dominance and areas requiring improvement. Their bowling attack, especially the spinners, has been exceptional and remains a key strength. However, the batting lineup must overcome its vulnerabilities by adopting a more balanced and strategic approach.
The upcoming matches in the Super Four stage present Pakistan with an opportunity to build momentum and showcase their full potential. With tactical adjustments and consistent performances, Pakistan can emerge as a formidable contender in this edition of the Asia Cup.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1345092-t20-asia-cup-2025-first-stage-and-tri-series-round-up
