Asia Cup 2025: Strengths and Weaknesses Analysis of Pakistan (PAK)

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.

Strengths

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.

Weaknesses

Pakistan’s noticeable weakness is its middle order. Apart from the young Hasan Nawaz, the other batters in this area have struggled. Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah have poor recent numbers, with low averages and strike rates. Even skipper Salman Ali Agha has had a modest strike rate of just over 124 this year. The lack of firepower in the middle overs could expose Pakistan if their top order collapses.

Another concern is the inconsistent performances of some youngsters. Saim Ayub has shown moments of brilliance but hasn’t yet converted his potential into consistent performances. Similar issues exist with Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz, who often blow hot and cold in multi-nation tournaments.

Opportunites

The Asia Cup 2025 is a golden chance to get their T20 record on track. With Babar Azam and Rizwan left out, this is the perfect opportunity for promising players like Farhan, Haris, and Hasan Nawaz to make a name for themselves on the biggest level. A strong campaign would not boost immense confidence in the team's plans for the T20 World Cup in 2026.

Another opportunity is shining in familiar conditions. The UAE has traditionally suited Pakistan’s style of cricket, with their fast bowlers enjoying help and their spinners often playing a big role. Set to play a tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE just before the Asia Cup, Pakistan will look to be well-prepared before entering the tournament.

Threats

Pakistan’s biggest threat has always been putting itself in a hit-or-miss situation. Recent results saw them suffer defeat at the hands of West Indies in an ODI series but win the T20Is by a 1-2 margin. Similarly, they were outplayed by Bangladesh before bouncing back in the final game. This hot-and-cold form makes them unpredictable in big tournaments like the Asia Cup.

Another threat is the pressure of expectations. With Babar and Rizwan left out, every failure of the new-look batting unit will trigger immense debate. If the aggressive top order fails against quality bowling attacks, the Men in Green could find themselves under scrutiny. Lastly, injuries have always been a risk, especially with players like Zaman, Afridi, and Ayub having a history of fitness concerns.

Pakistan's squad for Asia Cup 2025: