The 17th edition of the Asia Cup is all set to commence on September 09, 2025, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Meanwhile, Pakistan announced its 15-member squad for the high-profile tournament.
Although the squad looks fresh, the exclusion of experienced cricketers like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan provides the opportunity for the youngsters to establish their name at the international level.
This approach highlights the Pakistan team’s transition from the old-fashioned method of anchoring the innings to adapt to the aggressive brand of playing the 20-over format.
Also, Pakistan’s middle order and bowling unit seem to be much more powerful than ever. Moreover, the high-octane INDO-PAK rivalry is scheduled for September 14 in Dubai.
Let’s predict what could be the best and strongest playing XI combination for Pakistan to triumph against their arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup 2025.
1. Fakhar Zaman (Left-Handed BATTER):
Fakhar Zaman can prove to be a destructive left-handed opener, having amassed 1,949 runs in just 97 T20Is at an average of 22.66 and a strike rate of 131.78. The 35-year-old can prove to be a game-changer, particularly in the powerplay overs.
Also, Zaman’s experience and familiarity with the playing conditions in the UAE across three different formats will be an added advantage:
- Tests: 160 Runs in 2 Innings (Average: 80.00, Strike Rate: 56.93, Highest Score: 94).
- ODIs: 358 Runs in 13 Innings (Average: 27.53, Strike Rate: 82.29, Highest Score: 88).
- T20Is: 282 Runs in 17 Innings (Average: 17.62, Strike Rate: 108.46, Highest Score: *55).
2. Saim Ayub (Left-Handed BATTER):
Although Saim Ayub played only 3 T20Is in the UAE, his fearless approach could help his team provide a flyer start. The 23-year-old, since his T20I debut in March 2023 scored 705 runs in 34 innings at an average of 22.03 and a strike rate of 137.15. He could be a promising youngster to bolster Pakistan’s batting unit.
3. Saud Shakeel (Right-Handed BATTER):
It could be a golden chance for Saud Shakeel to make his T20I debut for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025.
The left-handed batter’s stats in T20 cricket have been impressive, having amassed 1,392 runs in 63 innings at an average of 25.30 and a strike rate of 129.48. His presence will be crucial to add stability to Pakistan’s middle-order unit.
4. Mohammad Haris (WICKETKEEPER-BATTER) :
As an aggressive middle-order batter and a brilliant wicketkeeper, Mohammad Haris’s perfect stroke execution and a strike rate of 144.81 make him a key member of Pakistan’s playing XI.
5. Salman Agha (Captain / Spin Bowling ALL-ROUNDER):
Apart from being a newly appointed T20I captain, Salman Agha, as an all-rounder, can add strength to Pakistan’s middle-order batting unit as well as the spin bowling attack.
The left-handed batter accumulated 380 runs in 18 T20I innings at an average of 27.14 and a strike rate of 115.85. Additionally, the right-arm off-spinner made handy contributions with the ball in the 20-overs format for Pakistan, having taken 4 wickets in 7 innings.
6. Iftikhar Ahmed (Spin Bowling ALL-ROUNDER):
As an experienced all-rounder, Iftikhar Ahmed’s power-hitting strokes and spin-bowling skills have been exceptional.
Considering his stats in 66 T20Is, the 34-year-old has scored 998 runs and claimed 8 wickets. He could prove to be one such reliable player for Pakistan in the lower middle order as well as in the spin-bowling attack.
7. Shadab Khan (Spin Bowling ALL-ROUNDER):
Shadab Khan is yet another lower-order batter who can make a handy contribution with the ball as a leg-spinner. The right-handed batter scored 792 runs in 58 innings.
But his bowling stats have been impressive, having bagged 112 wickets in 104 innings. His potential as a dynamic all-rounder makes him the most valuable player of the team.
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Fast BOWLER):
Over the past few years, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been a spearhead for Pakistan’s pace bowling attack. In 81 T20Is, he amassed 104 wickets, averaging at 22.25 and a strike rate of 16.90.
Especially, his ability to swing with the new ball and grab wickets instantly makes him a lethal bowler in the powerplay overs.
9. Naseem Shah (Fast BOWLER):
Naseem Shah has been one such rising talent who rose to fame instantly with his high-level pace-bowling skills. The 22-year-old forms a perfect backup with Shaheen Shah to lead the fast bowling attack, having bagged 25 wickets in 30 T20Is.
10. Haris Rauf (Fast BOWLER):
Haris Rauf’s ability to bowl perfect yorkers can be a key weapon for Pakistan to tame India’s power-hitters, particularly in the death overs. The 31-year-old right-arm pacer is known for his high-level bowling speed and compiled 120 wickets in 85 innings at an average of 21.44, which includes his best bowling figures of 4/18.
11. Usama Mir (Spin BOWLER):
Usama Mir is a full-time leg-spinner who can play a pivotal role in the middle overs. The 29-year-old played only 5 T20Is for Pakistan but claimed 5 wickets, averaging at 35.
However, Usama’s stats in the entire 20-over format have been exceptional. He claimed 178 wickets in 153 innings at an average of 23.08, thereby highlighting his ability to control the flow of runs in the middle overs.