It felt like history repeating itself for Afghanistan fans. Once again, Afghanistan entered the Asia Cup with energy, flair, and the promise of being cricket’s most unpredictable dark horse. Once again, they thrilled audiences with moments of brilliance. And once again, when it really mattered, they faltered.
Afghanistan’s campaign came to a disappointing end after their loss to Sri Lanka, sealing their exit from Asia Cup 2025. But this defeat is more than just a scoreline – it shines a spotlight on deeper cracks in their system that need urgent fixing.
The Pain of a Familiar Collapse
If you’ve followed Afghanistan cricket closely, you’d know their batting collapses have almost become a pattern. Against Sri Lanka, the story was no different. The openers have a platform, the middle order tried to build, but once wickets started tumbling, panic spread. In pressure moments, their shot selection looked rushed, and the scoreboard stalled.
The harsh truth is this: Afghanistan has batters who can play cameos, but they are still searching for players who can absorb pressure and anchor an innings in crunch games. Without that backbone, collapses will keep haunting them.
A Team Too Reliant on Individuals
Think of Afghanistan’s cricketing identity, and three names instantly pop up: Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. These stars have carried the team on their shoulders far too often. But cricket doesn’t reward individual brilliance alone; it demands collective effort.
When Rashid’s magic doesn’t fetch wickets, when Gurbaz doesn’t fire at the top, or when Nabi’s experience doesn’t click, Afghanistan suddenly looks like half a team. This overdependence not only puts pressure on the stars but also exposes the lack of depth in the squad.
Bowling: From Threatening to Predictable
For years, Afghanistan’s trump card has been their spinners. Teams dreaded facing Rashid Khan’s googlies, Mujeeb ur Rahman’s variations, and Nabi’s clever control. But now, opponents are better prepared. They’re milking singles, waiting patiently, and targeting the weaker bowlers once Rashid finishes his quota.
The bigger concern lies in their pace attack. Modern cricket demands quick bowlers who can swing it upfront and deliver at the death. Afghanistan’s seamers, while spirited, often lack consistency in line, length, and temperament. Against top sides, those small margins prove costly.
The Mental Game They Keep Losing
Here’s the toughest pill to swallow – Afghanistan’s biggest enemy isn’t always the opposition, but their own nerves. Time after time, they’ve been in match winning positions only to let games slip away. Remember the heartbreak against Pakistan in the 2022 Asia Cup? Or the near-miss against Australia in the 2023 World Cup?
Against Sri Lanka, once Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera steadied the innings, Afghanistan’s body language dropped. The fire was gone. The belief vanished. It was almost as if the team accepted defeat before the last ball was bowled. For a side with so much passion, this mental block is a battle they must win off the field before they can win consistently on it.
Where Do They Go From Here?
So, what’s next for Afghanistan cricket? The talent pipeline is rich – the domestic leagues keep throwing up exciting young players. But raw talent must be shaped with patience and structure.
- Stronger Middle Order: They need players who can rotate strike, hold one end, and guide chases.
- Reliable Pace Bowling: Building a pace battery should be a long-term priority if they want to compete in varied conditions.
- Big-Match Temperament: This cannot be taught overnight but must be nurtured with exposure to pressure situations – more bilateral series, more chances in franchise cricket, more trust in the younger lot.
- Leadership and Planning: Rashid Khan is inspirational, but he needs support from coaches, analysts, and senior players to craft strategies that go beyond just passion.
A Wake-Up Call, Not the End
Afghanistan’s early exit from Asia Cup 2025 is painful, yes, but it can also serve as a turning point. They’ve shown the world that they’re no longer minnows – they can beat top sides on their day. But if they truly want to graduate from being “giant-slayers” to “consistent contenders,” the hard work starts now.
Because passion has already won them fans across the globe. Now, it’s time for consistency to win them trophies.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Kusal Mendis’ Belligerent Knock Ends Afghanistan’s Tournament