Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025: 1st Match Preview
Electrifying Kickoff: Asia Cup 2025 Begins!
Cricket fans, the wait is over—Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 in the 1st Group B match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. This opening clash promises fireworks, with Afghanistan entering as favorites and Hong Kong looking to create an upset on the big stage.
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025: Match Details
- Fixture: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, 1st Match, Group B, Asia Cup 2025
- Date & Time: September 09, 2025 | 6:30 PM Local / 8:00 PM IST
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Live Telecast: Sony Sports Network
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV
Pitch & Weather Report
Pitch Report
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch offers true bounce early, favoring batters in the powerplay. However, as the match progresses, spinners will find grip and turn—a challenge for chasing teams if dew doesn’t play a big role. Expect a first-innings score around 160–175 runs to be competitive.
Weather Forecast
- Conditions: Warm & clear skies
- Rain Chances: Near zero
- Ideal setting for: Spin bowling under lights & high-scoring powerplays
Squads
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
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
Top Fantasy Picks & Key Players
Afghanistan Players to Watch
- Rashid Khan (C): World-class spinner and match-winner.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Aggressive opener, crucial in powerplay overs.
- Azmatullah Omarzai: Impact all-rounder.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: Left-arm seamer who thrives in UAE conditions.
Hong Kong Players to Watch
- Yasim Murtaza: Skipper and batting mainstay.
- Anshuman Rath: Consistent performer, anchor role.
- Babar Hayat: Explosive top-order striker.
Winning Prediction & Match Insights
- Favorites: Afghanistan
- Why? Their superior spin attack (Rashid, Mujeeb, Noor) and experienced batting order give them the edge.
- Hong Kong’s Chance: If their top order fires (Hayat & Rath), they can put Afghanistan under pressure.
👉 Prediction: Afghanistan to win comfortably, but Hong Kong could make it interesting with early breakthroughs.
Where to Watch Asia Cup 2025 Live
- TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
- Online Streaming: SonyLIV
- Live Score: Cricbuzz
Related Post: Asia Cup 2025: Full Schedule
