Ashok Namboodiri in Dubai
The Asia Cup 2025 is only three matches old, but the tournament has already offered a glimpse of contrasting realities: the ruthless efficiency of the top-tier nations and the painful struggles of the emerging ones. Played under difficult conditions in the Gulf, the opening week has underscored why this competition continues to be both a proving ground and a stage for cricket’s most compelling stories.
The curtain-raiser saw Afghanistan send a strong message. They were in early strife against Hong Kong, losing wickets up front and appearing vulnerable. But the middle order, led by Sediqullah Atal’s unbeaten 73 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s whirlwind 53 off 21, steadied the ship and powered them to a daunting total. The bowlers then did the rest, rolling over Hong Kong for just 94.
It wasn’t just a win; it was a showcase of Afghanistan’s depth and resilience. Coach Jonathan Trott, however, warned against complacency, admitting the batting still looked “patchy”. But if they continue to find match-winners from different corners of their line-up, Afghanistan could be a dangerous proposition later in the tournament.
If Afghanistan’s win was commanding, India’s nine-wicket demolition of UAE was nothing short of brutal. UAE, despite playing in familiar conditions, collapsed to 57 all out – their lowest T20 total against India, and were undone by the wrist-spin guile of Kuldeep Yadav (4 for 7) and the seam of Shivam Dube (3 for 4).
India needed less than five overs to polish off the chase, with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill showing intent from the start. For India, this was the perfect opening salvo: sharp bowling, no-nonsense batting, and a huge net-run-rate boost. More importantly, it signalled India’s intent to dominate not just through star power, but also squad depth.
Bangladesh’s opening assignment against Hong Kong was more of a controlled rehearsal than a battle. Restricting Hong Kong to 143/7 through disciplined spells from Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Rishad Hossain, they then coasted home thanks to Litton Das’s classy 59 and steady support from Towhid Hridoy.
For a side often accused of inconsistency in global tournaments, this was an encouraging start. They looked organised, confident, and, crucially, calm in the chase – traits they will need in abundance once the tougher fixtures arrive.
The first three matches have amplified the gap between established cricketing nations and associates. UAE and Hong Kong have both looked undercooked against the pace, swing, and spin of top sides. Thus far, it’s been about heavyweights against minnows. The real drama begins when the big boys collide: India vs Pakistan, Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Sri Lanka’s entry into the fray. These will define the Super Four race.
Afghanistan showed recovery potential, but other sides haven’t been tested yet. Teams with deeper batting reserves will have the edge in pressure scenarios. Early wins can snowball into momentum. India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan now carry swagger; UAE and Hong Kong must avoid morale-sapping collapses if they want to remain competitive.
If form holds, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan look most likely to progress. Sri Lanka, unpredictable as ever, could still spring a surprise, while UAE and Hong Kong already seem consigned to the role of spirited outsiders. But as history reminds us, the Asia Cup has rarely seen a linear script. Upsets are always lurking, and in T20 cricket, momentum can flip in less than a session.
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