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.

Sri Lanka — Kamil Mishara

Sri Lanka’s Kamil Mishara has the potential to be the backup opener for his team in the upcoming event. The 24-year-old, who first headlined at the Under-19 level, is now a dependable player in the senior men’s T20I team. His recent unbeaten 73 against Zimbabwe helped Sri Lanka clinch a series win.

With 2,600-plus runs in first-class cricket and returns in List A and T20 formats, Mishara can play the new ball and dominate in the powerplay overs. While the likes of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are clinical at the top, Mishara could add that extra push if required.

Bangladesh — Nurul Hasan

Bangladesh can see Quazi Nurul Hasan as a backup opening option for the marquee T20 event. The 31-year-old has had a stop-start international career, often sidelined by the presence of Mushfiqur Rahim. Having debuted in T20Is back in 2016, Nurul has had limited opportunities at the top level, but his performances in domestic cricket kept him in the selectors’ eyes.

He even captained Bangladesh briefly in 2022. After last playing an international game in the 2022 T20 World Cup, Nurul forced his way back with consistent runs for Bangladesh A, particularly during the Top End T20 series in Darwin. He would want to make a mark with solid performances in the 2025 edition of the continental tournament for the Bangla Tigers.

UAE — Ethan D’Souza

Left-handed batter Ethan Carl D’Souza is one of the youngest players named in the UAE’s team. The 19-year-old is a handy all-round option. Despite being at the early stage of his career, he has already featured in ODIs and T20Is for the UAE, and can be viewed as a reliable backup opening option.

In T20Is, Ethan has scored 132 runs in 10 matches, with the highest of 34, while also making an impact with the ball, his best figures being 4/9. His all-round ability was further seen during his stints in domestic T20 leagues with Sharjah Warriors and Team Abu Dhabi.

Oman — Karan Sonavale

Karan Sonavale is named in the Oman squad for the Asia Cup. A right-hand batter and right-arm off-break bowler, he is expected to play the role of a batting all-rounder for the national side. Though still new to international cricket, Sonavale has already represented Oman in both ODIs and T20Is.

In One-Day Internationals, he has featured in three matches, where his bowling has been more impactful than his batting, picking up two wickets with an economy rate of 1.20. In T20Is, he has scored 44 runs across three innings, with the best of 20. However, in case one of the mainstay openers is available, Sonavale could be slotted in to fill the role.

Hong Kong — Kinchit Shah

Hong Kong’s most dependable cricketers over the past decade, Kinchit Devang Shah, can be a reliable backup option at the top. The left-handed top-order batter and right-arm off-break bowler has represented the nation at U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19 levels before making his senior debut in 2012.

Shah has featured in 49 T20Is, scoring over 700 runs with three half-centuries, including the best of 79, while also chipping in with 12 wickets. His List A record stands out, with over 1,000 runs at an average of 32, including three centuries. While he is a certainty in the Playing XI, the Hong Kong side might be looking at him as a standby choice for the opening position.

Pakistan — Hasan Nawaz

Hasan Nawaz has impressed many with his abilities so far. The 23-year-old right-handed top-order batter announced himself with a fifty on his ODI debut against the West Indies, which earned him the Player of the Match award. In T20Is, he has already struck a hundred.

After overcoming injuries and setbacks early in his career, Nawaz returned stronger, piling runs in domestic competitions and the T20 Champions Cup. Nawaz could be a dynamic backup option for Pakistan in the Asia Cup, ready to step up if called upon.

India — Sanju Samson

Star batter Sanju Samson is in a tough position ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. Despite being India’s most consistent T20I batter last year with 436 runs at a strike rate of 180.16, his automatic selection is now in question. With Shubman Gill back as vice-captain and almost certain to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma, Samson could be pushed down the order or even benched. Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma’s inclusion as a specialist wicketkeeper-finisher strengthens India’s middle order, putting Samson’s role in question.

Former coach Ravi Shastri has urged Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav to retain Samson as an opener, believing Gill could be slotted elsewhere. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar made it clear that Samson’s recent opportunities at the top came only in Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s absence.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.