Pakistan head into the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE with a new squad under the captaincy of Salman Ali Agha. The team management, headed by coach Mike Hesson, has made a big call by leaving out senior stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Instead, the team's focus is on a younger, aggressive group of batters, along with a strong bowling unit. With Pakistan placed in Group A alongside India, Oman, and the hosts, the UAE, their campaign will be closely followed. Before the 2025 Asia Cup, it's crucial to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the Salman Agha-led team.
Pakistan's biggest strength is its strong top order. Fakhar Zaman's return from injury is set to be an added advantage as he is expected to bring experience and power-hitting to the team. Alongside him, the likes of Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Haris will provide attacking intent from the very start. Farhan has been in terrific form with three half-centuries in six games at a strike rate close to 145. Meanwhile, Haris is expected to bring firepower, striking at nearly 155. This aggressive brand of batting is exactly what Pakistan were missing with the slower approach of Babar and Rizwan.
Furthermore, Pakistan's pace attack has always been world-class. Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali will form a clinical trio, supported by Mohammad Wasim Jr and left-armer Salman Mirza. Their experience in UAE conditions and ability to strike with both new and old ball make Pakistan's bowling a threat. The Men in Green's spin options of Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem will look to exploit the conditions in their favour.