Asia Cup 2025: Backup openers for each team

The Asia Cup 2025 is set to begin on September 09, and this time it will be played in T20 format. As always, the role of openers will be very important, with every team relying on dependable batters to provide explosive starts at the top. Notably, names have been picked to anchor the opening slots. However, given the way T20 cricket is played, most teams have also kept a handful of backup options ready.

These players may not start every game, but remain valuable assets who can step in if injuries, form slumps, or tactical adjustments demand a change. As the tournament opener between Afghanistan and Hong Kong is set to get underway on September 9 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, CricTracker has a look at the backup opening options for each of the participating teams.

Backup opener of each team in Asia Cup 2025

Afghanistan — Darwish Rasooli

Afghanistan has added a solid option to their squad for the upcoming continental tournament in the form of Darwish Rasooli, and he could well be their backup opener. The right-handed batter and part-time off-spinner has already performed well in Afghanistan’s domestic and ‘A’ setup, making him an interesting addition to the Rashid Khan-led unit.

Rasooli’s domestic record has been impressive as he averages over 50 in List A cricket, with eight centuries and 17 fifties, including a career-best 155 against Sri Lanka A earlier this year. Notably, his leadership qualities were evident when he captained Afghanistan A to the Emerging Asia Cup title. Speaking of his records, he has played 13 T20Is and scored 149 runs so far.