Asia Cup 2025 Dark Horses: Teams that could surprise everyone

Asia Cup 2025. (Photo Source: ACC)

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup will run from September 9 to 28, with all the matches to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is only the third time the tournament is being held in the T20 format after 2016 and 2022.

India are the favourites heading into the event, having won the coveted title a record eight times. Sri Lanka are also a force to reckon with, having won the title six times, including the previous T20 Asia Cup in 2022.

This year, both the teams are placed in different groups. While Group A consists of India, Pakistan, the UAE, and Oman, Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. On that note, let’s take a look at three teams that could be dark horses in the Asia Cup 2025.

Asia Cup 2025 Dark Horses: Teams that could surprise everyone

3. UAE

The UAE have done well to play some games against top teams in world cricket in the lead-up to the tournament. They recently hosted Afghanistan and Pakistan in a tri-series. While they failed to win a match, they did show signs of promise and gave both teams a scare in a couple of games.

The UAE will have eyes on the clash against Oman in group, as they have the potential to beat them. Further, an upset over either India or Pakistan could help them push for a spot in the Super-Four stage of the tournament. While beating India might be tough because the Men in Blue have been in red-hot form in the shortest format of late, they could get the better of an inconsistent Pakistan team by bringing their A-game on matchday.

2. Bangladesh

It has been a long wait for Bangladesh to win a major title at the senior level in cricket. In the Asia Cup, they have flattered to deceive. The Bangla Tigers, however, will be confident after their recent results in T20 cricket.

In July, they defeated Sri Lanka 2-1 away from home. Bangladesh followed it up with a 2-1 win against Pakistan in Dhaka. Earlier this month, their three-match T20I series at home against the Netherland ended 2-0 in their favour after the third match was washed out. Bangladesh would want to continue their positive run in the Asia Cup. They are in the group of death, with the presence of strong teams like Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

1. Afghanistan

Afghanistan have showed massive signs of improvement in the shortest format, even reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup last year. Rashid Khan likes to lead his side from the front and there are enough match-winners who could make a difference.

While spin has always been the stronger department, Afghanistan now have some impactful pacers and brilliant batters in the top, middle, as well as the lower order. The Blue Tigers will be a tough side to beat, especially if they can play as a unit in the eight-team tournament. They have enough ammunition in the tank to lift the Asia Cup for the first time.

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.