Asia Cup 2025: Flop XI of tournament

The Asia Cup 2025 concluded in grand style on Sunday, September 28, at Dubai International Stadium, where India defeated Pakistan to lift the trophy. The Men in Blue were dominant throughout the tournament, showcasing depth in both batting and bowling to secure yet another continental crown.

While the spotlight largely shone on match-winners and breakout stars, the competition also witnessed several players who failed to live up to expectations. Every team entered the tournament hoping for consistent performances from their key players, but not all could deliver under pressure. Here, let us take a look at the Flop XI of Asia Cup 2025.

Asia Cup 2025: Flop XI of tournament

Top-Order Batters: Saim Ayub, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kamil Mishara

The Pakistani opener Saim Ayub had a nightmare of a tournament. Across seven innings, he managed only 37 runs and shockingly registered four ducks. As an opener, setting a strong platform is crucial, but Ayub failed repeatedly to give Pakistan the start they needed. His lack of confidence and inability to adapt to conditions meant Pakistan often began with setbacks.

The wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz entered the tournament as Afghanistan’s trump card at the top. However, Gurbaz managed only 57 runs in three matches, continuing his recent slump in form. He is known for his aggressive stroke play, and instead appeared tentative, often throwing his wicket away after poor shot selection.

Sri Lankan youngster Kamil Mishara came at No.3 and struggled for consistency. In four matches, he scored 74 runs, with 46* being his only noteworthy knock. That lone innings aside, he was dismissed cheaply in the rest of the games, leaving Sri Lanka exposed in the powerplay and middle overs.

Middle-Order Batters: Charith Asalanka, Salman Ali Agha, Jaker Ali

Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka endured a forgettable campaign both as a batter and leader. With only 75 runs across six innings, he failed to provide stability in the middle order. More importantly, his tactical decisions came under criticism as Sri Lanka lost three matches in the Super Four stage. As skipper, Asalanka could neither inspire confidence nor lead by example, making him one of the biggest flops of the tournament.

Despite Pakistan reaching the final, their captain Salman Ali Agha had a subdued campaign. Expected to anchor the innings and play crucial knocks, he scored just 72 runs in the tournament. For a player of his experience, this was a below-par return. With Pakistan’s middle order already fragile, Salman’s inconsistency piled extra pressure on others, exposing the team in key matches.

Bangladesh entrusted Jaker Ali with the responsibility of steadying the middle order, but he failed to live up to expectations. His lack of impactful innings left Bangladesh struggling to post competitive totals. Although not the most experienced player in the lineup, his inability to step up in crunch moments made him a liability for the side.

All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Mohammad Nawaz, Kamindu Mendis

Despite India winning the title, Hardik Pandya endured one of his most underwhelming tournaments. The veteran all-rounder contributed just 48 runs and managed four wickets. He is known for being a game-changer with both bat and ball, and struggled to influence matches. India’s depth covered for his shortcomings, but on a personal level, this campaign will not be remembered fondly by him.

Pakistan’s spin-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz failed to make an impact either with bat or ball. Across the tournament, he scored roughly 100 runs and took just two wickets. Nawaz’s lack of penetration with the ball and inability to provide finishing touches with the bat meant Pakistan missed a reliable utility player in key moments.

Another disappointing performer for Sri Lanka, Kamindu Mendis failed to justify his place in the XI. Tasked with shoring up the middle order, he produced low scores throughout the campaign. With the ball, he was ineffective as well, offering little control or wicket-taking ability.

Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Nuwan Thushara, Shamim Hossain (12th Man)

One of the biggest surprises in the flop XI is Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Expected to dominate with his accuracy and yorkers, he picked up only seven wickets in the tournament. Moreover, he bowled some of his poorest spells in recent memory, proving expensive at crucial junctures.

Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara rounds out the XI. In six matches, he claimed six wickets at an average of 30. He lacked consistency in length and was often punished during the powerplay and death overs. His failure to provide breakthroughs meant Sri Lanka’s bowling attack lacked teeth against strong opponents.

As the 12th man, Bangladesh’s Shamim Hossain slots into this team. He scored 97 runs across six innings but failed to play any defining knock. His inability to handle pressure in the middle order left Bangladesh short on firepower, even though they came close to qualifying for the final.