Surprise Weapons In Pakistan Squad Who Could Help Them Win Asia Cup 2025

Debashis Sarangi

Pakistan will face Oman in their 1st Asia Cup match [Source: AFP]Pakistan will face Oman in their 1st Asia Cup match [Source: AFP]

After emerging triumphant in the T20I series against West Indies, Pakistan are getting ready for the upcoming Asia Cup tournament. Led by Agha Salman, the Men in Green will take on Oman and the United Arab Emirates before crossing swords against their arch-rivals, India, in the marquee event. 

As Pakistan gear up for the Asia Cup 2025, here are three surprise packages in their squad who could help them clinch the coveted trophy. 

Hasan Nawaz

Why can Hasan Nawaz be a surprise package for Pakistan in Asia Cup?

Flexibility as a batter

  • Hasan Nawaz was introduced to the Pakistan T20I side as an opening batter. However, with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub returning to the team, Pakistan allotted a lower-middle-order slot to the promising batter. 
  • To the delight of the Men in Green, Nawaz showcased his finishing skills, proving his mettle as a flexible batter in the shortest format. Since being demoted to the middle-order, the right-hander has struck 218 runs at an average of 31.14 and a strike rate of 168.99, with his adaptability making him a surprise package for the Asia Cup. 

Fearless stroke play

Criterion
Data
Innings14
Runs339
Average28.25
Strike Rate175.65

(Hasan Nawaz's T20I stats)

  • Apart from his versatility, Hasan Nawaz's aggressive game is a factor that makes him a surprise package. The explosive batter doesn't think twice before taking the aerial route. So, he could be a serious threat to Pakistan's opponents if they don't get him early in the Asia Cup. 

Sahibzada Farhan

Why can Sahibzada Farhan be a surprise package for Pakistan in Asia Cup?

Red-hot recent form

Criterion
Data
Innings6
Runs229
Average38.2
Strike Rate144

(Sahibzada Farhan's T20I stats in 2025)

  • Sahibzada Farhan is in scintillating form of late. The batter emerged as the highest run-getter in the PSL 2025 before showcasing his prowess in the T20I series against Bangladesh and West Indies. So, while everyone expects Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman to be Pakistan's game-changers, Sahibzada Farhan might come out of the syllabus for several teams.

Sound technique and spin-hitting prowess

  • While Saim Ayub believes in dominating the opposition with his stroke play, Farhan's technique ensures solidity in Pakistan's top order. Furthermore, he's an excellent player of spin bowling, so he can be a headache for the opponent spinners if he doesn't get dismissed early in the innings.

Mohammad Wasim Jr

Why can Mohammad Wasim Jr be a surprise package for Pakistan in Asia Cup?

Excellent death bowling skills

Criterion
Data
Innings37
Wickets30
Average20.1
Strike Rate11.9

(Wasim Jr in death overs in T20 cricket)

  • Shaheen Afridi is expected to spearhead Pakistan's powerplay bowling, while the Men in Green will depend on Haris Rauf and Sufiyan Muqeem to succeed with the ball in the middle overs. In such a scenario, Mohammad Wasim Jr emerges as a surprise weapon, particularly due to his superior death-bowling skills. 
  • The final five overs are considered extremely tricky in T20Is. Wasim Jr's ability to generate reverse swing and nail yorkers makes him a valuable asset in the slog overs, especially when Shaheen and Rauf's death-bowling skills seem to have declined. 

Late order hitting

  • Mohammad Wasim Jr is a multi-dimensional cricketer. Apart from striking at crucial junctures, he can score quick runs lower down the order. So, if Pakistan suffer a batting collapse, Wasim Jr might surprise their opponents with vital cameos in the Asia Cup 2025. His all-round game is definitely a positive for Pakistan as they eye an Asia Cup title after 13 years.