<p>The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/asia-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asia Cup 2025</strong></a> has already lived up to its expectation as one of the most exciting cricketing spectacles in the region. The group stage, which featured eight competitive teams, produced thrilling contests and memorable innings that set the stage for the Super Fours round.</p>
<p>India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh eventually secured their berths in the next stage, but the early matches highlighted some of the finest individual talents in the continent. As the dust settles on the group stage, CricTracker has a look at the Best Playing XI from the group stage of the marquee continental competition, played in the 20-over format.</p>
<h2><span>Best Playing XI from Asia Cup 2025 group stage</span></h2>
<h3>Top-Order: Pathum Nissanka, Abhishek Sharma, Muhammad Waseem</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1758271076566_AUS-OPEN-(33).png" alt="Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka" width="960" height="600" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka (Source/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>At the top, Sri Lankan opener <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/pathum-nissanka/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pathum Nissanka</strong></a> was a consistent force. The elegant right-hander tallied 124 runs in three outings, including two crucial half-centuries. His ability to anchor the innings gave Sri Lanka the perfect platform in the powerplay overs, ensuring they reached the Super Fours without any hassle at all.</p>
<p>Partnering him is India’s sensational batter, Abhishek Sharma, who showed why he has quickly risen to become one of the most destructive openers. He scored 99 runs in three matches, but what stood out was his staggering strike rate of 225.00, which often gave India lightning-quick starts. His fearless batting at the top was a key factor behind India’s clean sweep in the group stage.</p>
<p>Completing the top three is UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem, who once again proved his worth on the international stage. He registered 102 runs in three innings, with a match-winning 69 against Oman being the standout. His aggressive intent inspired the UAE to their lone victory and kept their campaign competitive. He, however, did not have the best of the times as captain, as the side managed a solitary win, which was not enough.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Middle-Order: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Kusal Mendis (WK)</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1755605206736_Suryakumar-Yadav.jpeg" alt="Suryakumar Yadav" width="960" height="600" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo source: X)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The middle-order is anchored by Indian captain <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/suryakumar-yadav/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Suryakumar Yadav</strong></a>, who not only led with intent but also delivered under pressure. His unbeaten 47* against Pakistan in a tense chase was a captain’s knock, sealing India’s dominance in the group stage. His leadership and calmness make him the natural choice to captain this league stage side.</p>
<p>Beside him, Sri Lanka takes the wicketkeeper’s role and is handled by Kusal Mendis. With 88 runs in three matches, Mendis provided stability in crunch situations. His 74* against Afghanistan was a vital contribution, guiding Sri Lanka to a successful chase. His dual ability with the gloves and the bat makes him an important part of this team.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>All-Rounder: Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1758213363056_Mohammad-Nabi.jpeg" alt="Mohammad Nabi" width="960" height="600" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Mohammad Nabi. (Photo Source: Afghanistan Cricket)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The all-round department is led by Afghanistan’s veteran Mohammad Nabi, who once again showed his class. He scored 108 runs, including a fiery 60 against Sri Lanka, where he launched five sixes in a single over off Dunith Wellalage. Even though Afghanistan fell short, Nabi’s fighting spirit and finishing power stood out.</p>
<p>Alongside him is Afghan skipper <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/rashid-khan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rashid Khan</strong></a>, a genuine game-changer with both bat and ball. He picked up three wickets while maintaining a tight economy rate and added 47 runs across three matches, contributing in every department. His presence added balance to the Afghan side, and his leadership, though ending in heartbreak, was commendable.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Bowlers: Nuwan Thushara, Mustafizur Rahman, Junaid Siddique, Kuldeep Yadav</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1755859819202_Kuldeep-Yadav.jpeg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" width="960" height="600" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo source: Instagram/Kuldeep Yadav)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The bowling attack was spearheaded by Sri Lanka’s pacer Nuwan Thushara, who claimed five wickets in the group stage. His 4/18 against Afghanistan was one of the standout bowling performances of the tournament so far, dismantling a dangerous batting line up.</p>
<p>Bangladesh’s left-arm seamer <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/mustafizur-rahman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mustafizur Rahman</strong></a> joins the pace unit with four wickets. While not the highest wicket-taker, his control and economical spells helped Bangladesh defend totals and secure their Super Four spot.</p>
<p>One of the revelations of the tournament was Oman’s Junaid Siddique, who finished as the leading wicket-taker of the group stage with nine scalps. His two four-wicket hauls, 4/18 against Pakistan and 4/23 against Oman, highlighted his ability to deliver against stronger opposition.</p>
<p>Rounding off the XI is Indian left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who weaved his magic in the middle overs. With eight wickets, including 4/7 against the UAE and 3/18 against Pakistan, he was the standout spinner of the group stage. His variations proved unplayable at times and turned matches in India’s favour.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/asia-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asia Cup 2025</strong></a> has already lived up to its expectation as one of the most exciting cricketing spectacles in the region. The group stage, which featured eight competitive teams, produced thrilling contests and memorable innings that set the stage for the Super Fours round.</p>
<p>India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh eventually secured their berths in the next stage, but the early matches highlighted some of the finest individual talents in the continent. As the dust settles on the group stage, CricTracker has a look at the Best Playing XI from the group stage of the marquee continental competition, played in the 20-over format.</p>
<h2><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Best Playing XI from Asia Cup 2025 group stage</span></h2>
<h3>Top-Order: Pathum Nissanka, Abhishek Sharma, Muhammad Waseem</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1758271076566_AUS-OPEN-(33).png" alt="Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka (Source/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>At the top, Sri Lankan opener <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/pathum-nissanka/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pathum Nissanka</strong></a> was a consistent force. The elegant right-hander tallied 124 runs in three outings, including two crucial half-centuries. His ability to anchor the innings gave Sri Lanka the perfect platform in the powerplay overs, ensuring they reached the Super Fours without any hassle at all.</p>
<p>Partnering him is India’s sensational batter, Abhishek Sharma, who showed why he has quickly risen to become one of the most destructive openers. He scored 99 runs in three matches, but what stood out was his staggering strike rate of 225.00, which often gave India lightning-quick starts. His fearless batting at the top was a key factor behind India’s clean sweep in the group stage.</p>
<p>Completing the top three is UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem, who once again proved his worth on the international stage. He registered 102 runs in three innings, with a match-winning 69 against Oman being the standout. His aggressive intent inspired the UAE to their lone victory and kept their campaign competitive. He, however, did not have the best of the times as captain, as the side managed a solitary win, which was not enough.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Middle-Order: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Kusal Mendis (WK)</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1755605206736_Suryakumar-Yadav.jpeg" alt="Suryakumar Yadav" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo source: X)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The middle-order is anchored by Indian captain <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/suryakumar-yadav/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Suryakumar Yadav</strong></a>, who not only led with intent but also delivered under pressure. His unbeaten 47* against Pakistan in a tense chase was a captain’s knock, sealing India’s dominance in the group stage. His leadership and calmness make him the natural choice to captain this league stage side.</p>
<p>Beside him, Sri Lanka takes the wicketkeeper’s role and is handled by Kusal Mendis. With 88 runs in three matches, Mendis provided stability in crunch situations. His 74* against Afghanistan was a vital contribution, guiding Sri Lanka to a successful chase. His dual ability with the gloves and the bat makes him an important part of this team.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>All-Rounder: Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1758213363056_Mohammad-Nabi.jpeg" alt="Mohammad Nabi" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Mohammad Nabi. (Photo Source: Afghanistan Cricket)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The all-round department is led by Afghanistan’s veteran Mohammad Nabi, who once again showed his class. He scored 108 runs, including a fiery 60 against Sri Lanka, where he launched five sixes in a single over off Dunith Wellalage. Even though Afghanistan fell short, Nabi’s fighting spirit and finishing power stood out.</p>
<p>Alongside him is Afghan skipper <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/rashid-khan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rashid Khan</strong></a>, a genuine game-changer with both bat and ball. He picked up three wickets while maintaining a tight economy rate and added 47 runs across three matches, contributing in every department. His presence added balance to the Afghan side, and his leadership, though ending in heartbreak, was commendable.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Bowlers: Nuwan Thushara, Mustafizur Rahman, Junaid Siddique, Kuldeep Yadav</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1755859819202_Kuldeep-Yadav.jpeg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo source: Instagram/Kuldeep Yadav)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The bowling attack was spearheaded by Sri Lanka’s pacer Nuwan Thushara, who claimed five wickets in the group stage. His 4/18 against Afghanistan was one of the standout bowling performances of the tournament so far, dismantling a dangerous batting line up.</p>
<p>Bangladesh’s left-arm seamer <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/mustafizur-rahman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mustafizur Rahman</strong></a> joins the pace unit with four wickets. While not the highest wicket-taker, his control and economical spells helped Bangladesh defend totals and secure their Super Four spot.</p>
<p>One of the revelations of the tournament was Oman’s Junaid Siddique, who finished as the leading wicket-taker of the group stage with nine scalps. His two four-wicket hauls, 4/18 against Pakistan and 4/23 against Oman, highlighted his ability to deliver against stronger opposition.</p>
<p>Rounding off the XI is Indian left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who weaved his magic in the middle overs. With eight wickets, including 4/7 against the UAE and 3/18 against Pakistan, he was the standout spinner of the group stage. His variations proved unplayable at times and turned matches in India’s favour.</p>

The Asia Cup 2025 has already lived up to its expectation as one of the most exciting cricketing spectacles in the region. The group stage, which featured eight competitive teams, produced thrilling c

Best XI from Asia Cup 2025 group stage

India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are the four teams that qualified for the Super Four stage.

Check out the Asia Cup 2025 group stage Best XI, featuring players who dominated with bat, ball, and all-round brilliance, only on CricTracker.