Asia Cup 2025: SWOT analysis for Afghanistan

Under Rashid Khan's leadership, Afghanistan will look to make a big impression at the 2025 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Afghanistan, who are renowned for their aggressive style of play and elite spin attack, will be up against formidable opponents in Group B, which also includes Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. With one of the best bowling units in current T20 cricket set-up, explosive batsmen, and all-round depth, Afghanistan present themselves as a serious contender. 

This article analyses Afghanistan's SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats).

Strengths

Without a doubt, Afghanistan boasts a fantastic spin bowling attack that is on par with or perhaps better than India's. Rashid Khan, the format's top wicket-taker, is their first option. Next up is Noor Ahmad, a bowler for CSK who took 24 wickets in 14 IPL 2025 games and is in great touch. Not to be overlooked is Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, who has a format economy of 6.

The team captained by Rashid Khan is fortunate to have a large number of all-rounders in the squad. Almost any player can bowl or bat for their side. At least when it comes to white-ball cricket, Azmatullah Omarzai is among the best in the industry currently. Some other all-rounders in the team are Gulbadin Naib, Karin Janat, and the seasoned Mohammad Nabi. To put it briefly, they have an abundance of options.

Weaknesses

Their middle-order's inconsistency under pressure might be an issue for them, as they have put up good performances but have not been able to be regular with it. Their pace attack is also still developing beyond Farooqi and Naveen, and although they have other options but none of them have proved their name yet in the format.

Afghanistan has frequently had trouble completing games when the score was close. They have played really well to take the game close, but have failed to close the game, especially under pressure in big matches. They also seem to struggle in chasing down totals and rely heavily on their top order to win games in chases.

Opportunities

Afghanistan is in a difficult group and will need to defeat Hong Kong and Bangladesh at the very least to advance. Their destiny for qualification will probably be determined by their match against Sri Lanka on September 18. Afghanistan is equipped to challenge even the most formidable batting teams thanks to Rashid Khan's leadership and a bowling group that emphasises spin.

Afghanistan has a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate its development as a cricketing powerhouse at the Asia Cup 2025. They can take on well-established heavyweights thanks to their talented bowlers, fearless hitters, and passionate team. Afghanistan might be the tournament's dark horses if their top order gives them starts and their spinners rule. The men in blue will be closely watched by fans both domestically and internationally as they take the field in the United Arab Emirates.

Threats

Their next goal should be to win the Asia Cup after making it to the World Cup semifinals in 2023. However, that might merely put the team under more pressure to meet expectations. They may be superior to Pakistan on a player-to-player basis as well, but they still require some time to hone their big-stage temperament.

Their hopes of qualifying for the Super Fours may be dashed by Sri Lanka's experience and Bangladesh's well-rounded bowling assault, which will be difficult to overcome. On batting-friendly pitches, their over-reliance on spin could also work against them.

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