The Asia Cup 2025 is almost upon us, and one place that has been making a lot of noise is Hong Kong. The same team that has qualified for the tournament four times already, but has never made it past the first round. With the focus of a cricketing match rarely moving away from the giants of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, it’s almost easy to forget that the stories of these teams are some of the underdog stories we all love and embrace. But this year, there is a feeling that maybe – just maybe – they’re set to become a darling of the tournament, the fifth time is a charm.
How They Fought Their Way In
Hong Kong didn’t just waltz into the Asia Cup – it earned its way in. It wasn’t easy doing the same for the 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup either. Hong Kong finished second in its group, constantly battling to stay ahead of Qatar and Malaysia until the semi-final against Oman. Following that semi-final loss, it was a third play-off, against ranked higher-ranked Nepal, that secured Hong Kong’s ticket. So, in this instance, it’s not so much about winning games, but about taking chances, showing character, and showing you can’t just assume the higher-ranked team will win.
Key Players to Watch
If Hong Kong is going to finally break the Asia Cup streak, they will need their leaders and influential players to fire. With the ball in hand, Murtaza weaves pressure and wickets together, making him a double threat for any team. In his left-arm spin bowling, he holds the record for 70 wickets in 63 T20Is at a miserly economy of 6.33. Next up, we have Ehsan Khan, who is the team’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is (127) from 94 matches, and is an extremely economical bowler as he is a constant threat through the middle overs.
The batting spotlight shines on Nizakat Khan, Babar Hayat, Anshy Rath, and Zeeshan Ali, Hong Kong’s run-makers. These four are the only Hong Kong batters that have over 1,000 T20I runs, and with the top order jumbled recently, it appears that the team is continuing to test combinations to establish a rhythm. Zeeshan Ali highlights the potential of these players; he is the big hitter with a strike rate of 141.96—a number that would make any team uncomfortable.
A Tough Group, but Not Unwinnable
Hong Kong’s Group B draw is no walk in the park. Hong Kong kicks off its Asia Cup campaign against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on September 9, setting the stage for an exciting start. It is a tough schedule, and each of these games will challenge their depth, strategy, and nerves. However, there is some good news: all three have had moments of vulnerability in recent times.
Can Hong Kong finally turn its underdog status into a breakthrough moment on the Asia Cup stage? Either way, it is guaranteed that there will be plenty of thrills, spills, and cricket drama from an underdog story for fans to enjoy. Watch out for the little team with massive aspirations who might surprise us all!
FAQs
- Before 2025, how many times has Hong Kong punched its ticket to the Asia Cup?
They have qualified four times previously: 2004, 2008, 2018, and 2022.
- Has Hong Kong ever won a match in the Asia Cup?
No, they have yet to win a match or progress beyond the first round.
- What makes Zeeshan Ali a dangerous batsman for Hong Kong?
He has the highest strike rate among the team’s top batters, at 141.96.
