Dive into the Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Match 1 preview with detailed analysis, squads, pitch report, and predictions. Who will dominate in Abu Dhabi?
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 kicks off the tournament with high stakes. Can underdogs Hong Kong stun the favorites in this Group B opener? As cricket fans gear up for explosive action, this match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium promises thrills. Afghanistan, fresh from a T20 World Cup semi-final run last year, eyes a strong start. Hong Kong, hungry for an upset, brings fresh energy after qualifying via the ACC Premier Cup.
What makes this clash exciting? Afghanistan’s spin wizards versus Hong Kong’s bold batters. With the Asia Cup drawing massive crowds, this opener sets the tone. Will Rashid Khan’s magic prevail, or will Anshuman Rath spark a surprise? Let’s break it down.
This article covers everything: match details, venue stats, pitch report, squads, players to watch, head-to-head records, form guide, and predictions. Stay tuned for insights that could shape your fantasy picks.
Match Preview: Why Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Could Be a Thriller
Afghanistan enters as favorites but wounded after a tri-series final loss to Pakistan. Their batting faltered against spin, scoring just 66 chasing 142. Yet, wins over Pakistan and UAE show depth. Rashid Khan’s side boasts spin variety and explosive batsmen, ideal for UAE conditions.
Hong Kong, winless in 11 Asia Cup games over 21 years, faces a tough group with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. They arrived early for warm-ups, splitting series against Oman. Their openers shine, but quality jumps against Afghanistan.
Is this Hong Kong’s best shot? Afghanistan’s quick turnaround from the tri-series might leave them vulnerable. A fast start could pressure the Afghans. Victory for Hong Kong would be historic—the biggest Asia Cup upset.
Afghanistan’s strength: Balanced attack. Hong Kong’s hope: Dynamic openers and spin resistance. Expect a competitive game if dew plays a role.
Who do you think wins? Share predictions in comments!
Match Details: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Essentials
Get the basics for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025. This T20I (No. 3443) opens the tournament.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Match 1, Group B, Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 |
| Date | September 9, 2025 |
| Format | T20 International |
| Umpires | Asif Yaqoob (Pakistan), Virender Sharma (India) |
| Third Umpire | Faisal Afridi (UAE) |
| Referee | Richie Richardson (West Indies) |
| Series Stage | Group B opener; top two advance to Super Four |
Squads remain key. Afghanistan rotates for depth; Hong Kong relies on core players.
Full squads in tables below. For live updates, check our blog or linked sites.
Venue Guide: Sheikh Zayed Stadium Stats and Records for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025
Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi hosts this clash. Built in 2004, it seats 20,000 with North and Pavilion Ends. No traditional pavilion—modern design shines.
Known for balanced pitches, it favors spinners later. Afghanistan thrives here, winning 11 of 16 T20Is.
| Venue Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is | 90+ |
| Wins Batting First | 41 (45.56%) |
| Wins Batting Second | 49 (54.44%) |
| Avg 1st Innings Score | 136-144 |
| Highest Total | 225/7 (Ireland vs Afghanistan, 2013) |
| Lowest Total | 84/10 (Bangladesh vs South Africa, 2022) |
| Highest Chase | ~167 (chases tricky) |
| Most Runs | Babar Azam (343 in 8 inns) |
| Most Wickets | Rashid Khan (22 in 12 matches) |
| Afghanistan Record | 11W, 5L |
| Hong Kong Record | 3W, 7L in 10 matches |
Pitches improved in 2025—avg 1st inns now 173. Fast bowlers key, averaging 26/wkt.
How does this impact? Afghanistan’s spinners dominate; Hong Kong needs early runs.
Timings: When to Watch Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Live
Catch the action at these times for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025.
| Time Zone | Start Time |
|---|---|
| Local (UAE) | 6:30 PM |
| GMT | 2:30 PM |
| IST | 8:00 PM |
| PKT | 7:30 PM |
| BST (Bangladesh) | 8:30 PM |
| EDT (USA) | 10:30 AM |
Night game lasts ~3-4 hours. Dew could influence second innings.
Live Streaming and Broadcasting: Where to Stream Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025
Stream Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 easily.
In India: Sony Sports Network TV, SonyLIV app.
USA: Willow TV.
Pakistan: PTV Sports, Tamasha app.
Global: Disney+ Hotstar in select areas.
Free options? Check local YouTube if available. Use VPN for geo-blocks.
Join our live blog for updates. What channel are you watching on?
Toss Prediction and Impact: Crucial Factor in Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025
Toss matters in Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025. Prediction: Afghanistan wins (55% chance), elects to bowl due to dew.
Impact: Chasing favored (60% wins batting second). Dew makes gripping tough for spinners.
Historical: UAE tosses often see bowl-first choices.
Predict the toss in comments!
Pitch Report: Sheikh Zayed Stadium Surface Analysis for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025
Sheikh Zayed pitch for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025: Balanced, flat early, slows later.
Surface: Dry, abrasive—spin grip increases. Pacers get new-ball swing.
Factors: Spin dominates middle overs (economy 7.5 vs pacers 8.2). Dew favors chasers.
Prediction: 160-170 defendable. Spinners take 50-60% wickets.
Favorable: Afghanistan’s spinners thrive; Hong Kong needs pace resistance.
Weather Forecast: Conditions for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Match
Weather for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025: Hot, humid.
Highs: 42°C day, 28-36°C evening. Humidity 50-70%, winds 10-15 km/h. Rain chance: 5-10%.
Dew likely—impacts bowling second.
No interruptions expected. Players might tire in heat.
Squad Analysis: Breaking Down Teams for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan squad: Depth in spin, batting firepower.
| Afghanistan Squad |
|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Ishaq, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Gulbadin Naib |
Hong Kong squad: Batting-focused, emerging all-rounders.
| Hong Kong Squad |
|---|
| Zeeshan Ali (wk), Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Anshuman Rath, Martin Coetzee, Yasim Murtaza (c), Aizaz Khan, Nasrulla Rana, Ehsan Khan, Ali Hassan, Ateeq Iqbal, Kalhan Challu, Ayush Shukla, Kinchit Shah, Mohammad Waheed, Shahid Wasif, Mohammad Ghazanfar |
Analysis: Afghanistan rotates; Hong Kong depends on openers.
Probable Playing XI: Lineups for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan probable XI: Spin-heavy.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Karim Janat
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Mohammad Nabi
- AM Ghazanfar
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Hong Kong probable XI: Batting first focus.
- Anshuman Rath
- Zeeshan Ali (wk)
- Babar Hayat
- Nizakat Khan
- Martin Coetzee
- Yasim Murtaza (c)
- Ehsan Khan
- Aizaz Khan
- Ateeq Iqbal
- Nasrulla Rana
- Ayush Shukla
Changes possible based on toss.
Players to Watch: Stars in Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
Explosive opener, but recent form dip (98 runs in tri-series). Strike rate 140+ potential. Key for powerplay.
Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
Consistent: 194 runs in tri-series at avg 38.8, SR 132.87. Anchors innings.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan, Captain)
Leg-spin king. 26 wickets in 14 games post-break, avg 13.96. Turning point: 2017 IPL debut elevated him globally; recent surgery break refreshed form. Economy under 7.
Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan)
Top 2025 T20 wicket-taker: 68 at avg 18.5. Wrist-spin threat.
Anshuman Rath (Hong Kong)
Leading scorer: 726 runs in 2025 at avg 48.4, SR 144.3. 1 ton, 5 fifties. Opener’s consistency vital.
Babar Hayat (Hong Kong, VC)
Aggressive: 2233 T20I runs in 95 games. Middle-order power.
Who will shine? Vote in comments!
Head to Head Stats and Records: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 History
Afghanistan leads head-to-head.
| H2H Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is | 5-6 (Afghanistan 3-4 wins, Hong Kong 2) |
| Last Meeting | Afghanistan won by 7 wkts (2016) |
| Afghanistan Wins | 3-4 |
| Hong Kong Wins | 2 (both 2015) |
| Highest AFG Score vs HK | 178 |
| Highest HK Score vs AFG | 166 |
Trends: Afghanistan dominant lately. Hong Kong’s early wins outdated.
Does history repeat? Afghanistan’s rise suggests no.
Recent Performances and Forms: Form Guide for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan form: LWWWL. Tri-series loss exposed batting vs spin, but wins show resilience.
Hong Kong form: LWWLW. Wins over weaker teams; no top opposition in 2025.
| Team | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | L (vs PAK), W (vs UAE), W (vs PAK), W (vs UAE), L (older) |
| Hong Kong | L, W, W, L, W |
Afghanistan recovers well; Hong Kong needs momentum.
Winning Prediction: Who Wins Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Match 1?
Prediction: Afghanistan wins (90% probability). Margin: 50+ runs or 6+ wkts.
Upset factors: Hong Kong early wickets. But Afghanistan’s spin edges it.
Fantasy tips: Pick Rashid, Gurbaz, Rath. Dream11 XI: Gurbaz (wk), Zadran, Atal, Rath, Omarzai, Nabi, Murtaza, Rashid (c), Noor, Farooqi, Ehsan.
Share your fantasy team!
Check our Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
Conclusion: What to Expect from Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 promises excitement. Favorites prevail, but upsets thrill. Stay updated on IPL Star for more.
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FAQs: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025
1. What is the date and time for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Match 1?
The Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 match is scheduled for September 9, 2025, at 6:30 PM local time (8:00 PM IST) at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. This Group B opener kicks off the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, making it a must-watch for cricket fans.
2. Where can I watch Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 live streaming?
For Asia Cup 2025 live streaming, Indian fans can tune into SonyLIV or Sony Sports Network. In the USA, Willow TV offers coverage, while Pakistan viewers can watch on PTV Sports or Tamasha app. Globally, Disney+ Hotstar streams in select regions. Check local listings for free options.
3. What is the Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch report for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025?
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch report indicates a balanced surface, flat early for batsmen but slowing with spin grip later. Spinners dominate middle overs, with an average first innings score of 140-150. Dew may favor chasing teams in this night game.
4. Who are the key players to watch in Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025?
Key players include Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, with 26 wickets in 2025 at an average of 13.96, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, seeking form. For Hong Kong, Anshuman Rath (726 runs, avg 48.4) and Babar Hayat are vital. These stars could shape the Asia Cup 2025 Match 1 preview.
5. What is the head-to-head record for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025?
In Afghanistan vs Hong Kong head-to-head stats, Afghanistan leads with 3-4 wins in 5-6 T20Is, while Hong Kong won twice in 2015. Their last meeting in 2016 saw Afghanistan triumph by 7 wickets, making them favorites for this clash.
6. What is Afghanistan’s form going into Asia Cup 2025 Match 1?
Afghanistan’s recent form (LWWWL) shows resilience despite a tri-series final loss to Pakistan. Wins over UAE and Pakistan highlight their strength, crucial for the Afghanistan cricket team form 2025 narrative in this tournament.
7. Can Hong Kong pull off an upset in Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025?
While Hong Kong’s Asia Cup 2025 upset potential is low (0-11 record in the tournament), their openers’ form and Afghanistan’s quick turnaround offer a slim chance. Early wickets could spark a historic win.
8. What is the weather forecast for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025?
The Asia Cup 2025 weather forecast for Abu Dhabi on September 9 predicts 28-36°C evening temperatures, 50-70% humidity, and a 5-10% rain chance. Dew could impact the second innings, favoring the chasing team.
9. Who are the captains for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025?
Rashid Khan leads Afghanistan, leveraging his spin prowess, while Yasim Murtaza captains Hong Kong, aiming to inspire an upset in the Asia Cup 2025 Match 1 preview.
10. What are the fantasy tips for Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025?
For fantasy teams, pick Rashid Khan (captain), Noor Ahmad, and Anshuman Rath. Gurbaz and Zadran are safe bets. This Afghanistan vs Hong Kong prediction favors spinners due to the pitch. Share your Dream11 picks in comments!