Afghans poised to rattle contenders

Once underdogs, Afghanistan now stride into the Asia Cup with fire in their belly and eyes on the prize. Explosive openers, a lethal spin arsenal, and a squad that thrives under pressure make them a team ready to shake up Asia's cricketing heavyweights.

Their run to the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals in West Indies and USA turned heads. Wins over New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh proved they are more than spirited challengers -- they can topple giants.

As the Asia Cup begins on September 9 in the UAE, the question is simple: can they turn promise into glory?

A major factor behind their rise is the experience of the squad in high-pressure tournaments. Thirteen players from last year's World Cup team have been retained for the Asia Cup, bringing valuable exposure to big-match situations. Stars like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have not only faced some of the best teams in the world but delivered when it mattered most.

Another edge comes from IPL experience. Rashid, Gurbaz, Noor Ahmad and Naveen-ul-Haq -- all have lived through the pressure-cooker of franchise cricket.

The UAE pitches are traditionally spin-friendly, an environment that suits their strengths perfectly. The team boasts a rich and varied spin arsenal: captain and leg-spinner Rashid, left-arm wrist spinner Noor, mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, promising young spinner AM Ghazanfar, and experienced all-rounder Nabi. Rashid remains the jewel in their crown, a bowler who can tilt the game in a blink.

Form is also on their side. A recent win over Pakistan in Sharjah has boosted momentum and confidence ahead of the tournament. Drawn into Group B with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, they carry historical advantage -- in the 2022 UAE Asia Cup, they defeated both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the group stage.

Their T20 record against Asia's top teams is solid: seven wins in 12 matches against Bangladesh, four in ten against Pakistan, and three in eight against Sri Lanka. India, however, remain elusive.

But cracks remain. Gurbaz and Zadran often provide electric starts, yet the middle order has a tendency to crumble if the openers fall early. Chasing continues to be their Achilles' heel; under scoreboard pressure, collapses are frequent. The talent is undeniable, but consistency under fire is still a missing piece in their armour.

From perennial underdogs to serious contenders, they now send a stark warning: underestimate them at your peril. If their batting holds and their spin does the talking, the 2025 Asia Cup could see the Afghans not just contend, but redefine the pecking order -- a threat no favourites can ignore.