Asia Cup 2025 Match 1: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Preview – Head-to-Head, Probable XIs, Streaming Details. The Asia Cup 2025 opens with a thrilling encounter between Afghanistan and Hong Kong as the first match of the tournament on September 9, 2025, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, at 8:00 PM IST. Afghanistan is the favorite, while Hong Kong will hope to create an upset and announce its presence in the tournament.
Match Details
Date & Time: September 9, 2025, 8:00 PM IST (toss at 7:30 PM IST)
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Live Telecast: Sony Sports Network
Live Streaming: SonyLIV
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Pitch and Conditions
The Abu Dhabi pitch appears to be balanced for bat and ball. The bowlers could get assistance upfront with both pacers and spinners. Batting usually gets easier as the innings progress. In the past few games at this venue, chasing under lights has been an advantage, and warm and humid conditions may add a challenge.
Head-to-Head Record
Afghanistan and Hong Kong have played against each other five times in T20Is, with Afghanistan leading 3-2. The last time they met was in 2016, when Afghanistan won comfortably. Although the Afghans have better experience and depth, Hong Kong has had success in the past and can deliver surprises if they are on their game.
Probable Playing XIs
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Hong Kong: Yasim Murtaza (c), Anshuman Rath, Martin Coetzee, Kinchit Shah, Babar Hayat, Zeeshan Ali (wk), Aizaz Khan, Nizakat Khan, Ateeq Iqbal, Ali Hassan, Ehsan Khan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive batting, Rashid Khan’s spin magic, and Ibrahim Zadran’s durability will be essential. Yasim Murtaza’s all-around experience, Babar Hayat’s aggression, and Nizakat Khan’s composure could all have a significant impact on the game.
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Afghanistan will approach the opener as the clear favorite, backed by a strong spin bowling attack, a balanced batting order, and recent impressive performances. Meanwhile, Hong Kong presents a spirited line-up with a history of defeating stronger teams. This makes for incredible viewing.
The Asia Cup 2025 opener is more than two points—it is the chance to set the tournament alight. Afghanistan will look to stamp its authority, and Hong Kong will look to shock the cricketing world.
