Asia Cup 2025 Team of the Tournament: Abhishek Sharma, Shaheen Afridi shine as six Indians dominate XI

As the dust settles on another thrilling edition of the T20 Asia Cup, attention turns to the standout performers. Based purely on impact, consistency, and match-winning moments, here’s the Team of the Tournament for Asia Cup 2025.

Openers

• Abhishek Sharma (India) – The tournament’s top scorer with 314 runs at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 200. His fearless batting provided India with explosive starts and laid the foundation for their title triumph.

• Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) – The only centurion of the tournament, Nissanka’s classy 261 runs ensured Sri Lanka remained competitive. His knock against India was a display of grit and timing under pressure.

Together, Sharma’s power-hitting and Nissanka’s stability would make for a dream partnership at the top.

Middle Order

• Suryakumar Yadav (India, Captain) – Though his batting returns (72 runs) were modest, SKY’s captaincy was exceptional. His tactical awareness and calm decision-making were key to India’s ninth Asia Cup crown.

• Sanju Samson (India, WK) – With 132 runs and safe hands behind the stumps, Samson proved his worth. His crucial role in the final, including sharp catches and DRS calls, made him India’s unsung hero.

• Tilak Varma (India) – The southpaw delivered under pressure, most memorably his unbeaten 69 in the final. Scoring 213 runs at an average of 71, Tilak was India’s backbone in tricky situations.

• Shivam Dube (India) – A genuine all-rounder, Dube chipped in with 5 wickets and a match-turning 33 off 22 balls in the final. His versatility gave India the perfect balance despite Hardik Pandya’s absence.

Spinners

• Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – With 8 wickets at an economy of 6.50, the Sri Lankan spinner was a constant threat in the middle overs while also adding batting depth.

• Kuldeep Yadav (India) – Arguably the bowler of the tournament, Kuldeep claimed 17 wickets with magical spells that swung games India’s way. His ability to bounce back, even after being attacked, stood out.

Pacers

• Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) – The lone Pakistani in the XI, Afridi bagged 10 wickets and scored vital lower-order runs. His all-round impact kept Pakistan in the hunt throughout.

• Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh) – With 9 wickets, the left-armer once again proved why he is Bangladesh’s most reliable death bowler. His variations troubled even the best batters.

• Junaid Siddique (UAE) – A surprise package, the UAE pacer impressed with 9 wickets in just 3 matches. His smart variations, especially against Pakistan, earned him global recognition.

12th Man

• Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan) – Pakistan’s most dependable batter in a struggling lineup. His patient knocks held the innings together, though his wicket in the final shifted momentum in India’s favor.

Also Read: Shoaib Akhtar slams Pakistan’s senseless coaching after final defeat to India

Final Asia Cup 2025 Team of the Tournament

1. Abhishek Sharma (IND)

2. Pathum Nissanka (SL)

3. Suryakumar Yadav (IND, C)

4. Sanju Samson (IND, WK)

5. Tilak Varma (IND)

6. Shivam Dube (IND)

7. Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)

8. Kuldeep Yadav (IND)

9. Shaheen Afridi (PAK)

10. Junaid Siddique (UAE)

11. Mustafizur Rahman (BAN)
    12th Man: Sahibzada Farhan (PAK)

India may have lifted the trophy, but this combined XI showcases stars from across Asia who made the 2025 edition truly unforgettable.