AFG vs HKG Match Analysis
Afghanistan and Hong Kong are set to kick off their Asia Cup 2025 campaigns with a Group B clash on September 9, 2025, at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The match begins in the evening, ensuring ideal conditions for batting and bowling under lights.
Few teams can match Afghanistan’s balance, as their experienced campaigners and elite spin arsenal make them a nightmare matchup for opponents. Led by Rashid Khan, the side blends explosive batting talent with disciplined bowling.
Hong Kong will look to make a statement against a strong Afghanistan side, banking on their fearless batting lineup and improved bowling depth. The team has been making steady progress in Asian cricket circuits, with experienced campaigners like Nizakat Khan and Babar Hayat leading the charge.
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Team Preview & Squads
Afghanistan
Rashid Khan, AFG captain and global cricket superstar, continues to be their biggest match-winner. His leadership combines tactical sharpness with the ability to turn matches single-handedly through his exceptional leg-spin.
Gurbaz and Zadran’s explosive partnership makes Afghanistan’s batting unit one of the most intimidating in the tournament. Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib add stability and finishing power in the middle order. With rising talents like Darwish Rasooli and Sediqullah Atal, the team’s batting depth looks well-balanced.
The Afghan bowling unit is their strongest suit, headlined by Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad, forming a world-class spin trio. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq lead the pace attack, providing crucial breakthroughs with the new ball.
AFG last played the UAE Tri-Series Final on the 7th of September 2025 against Pakistan in Sharjah. Pakistan was bowled out in their 20 overs for 141/8, which was a small target to chase. In a lopsided contest, Afghanistan’s batting collapse to 66 in 15.5 overs paved the way for Pakistan’s commanding 75-run victory.
Afghanistan Squad
Afghanistan
Rashid Khan (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Darwish Rasooli, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, AM Ghazanfar, Gulbadin Naib, Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Sharafuddin Ashraf.
Hong Kong
As captain, Yasim Murtaza offers not just strategy but impact, contributing with both bat and ball. Known for his consistent batting and ability to deliver crucial overs, Murtaza is key to Hong Kong’s chances.
HKG batting lineup has experience with Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, and Anshy Rath leading the charge. These players are known for counter-attacking cricket and can take on top-tier bowling attacks. Kinchit Shah and Shahid Wasif provide much-needed stability and firepower in the middle order.
The HKG bowling attack features experienced campaigners like Ehsan Khan and Aizaz Khan, supported by promising pacers like Ayush Shukla. The team relies on a mix of medium pace and spin to create pressure.
Hong Kong faced Malaysia in the Asia Pacific Cricket Final on July 26, 2025, in Singapore. Batting first in a rain-reduced 5-over match, they scored 52/4. Malaysia chased down the target with ease, scoring 55/0 in just 2.2 overs, sealing a dominant 10-wicket win. This defeat highlighted Hong Kong’s bowling struggles in high-pressure situations.
Hong Kong Squad
Hong Kong
Yasim Murtaza (c), Aizaz Khan, Ali Hassan, Anshy Rath, Ateeq Iqbal, Babar Hayat, Martin Coetzee, Ehsan Khan, Kalhan Challu, Mohammad Ghazanfar, Mohammad Waheed, Nasrulla Rana, Nizakat Khan, Kinchit Shah, Shahid Wasif, Ayush Shukla, Zeeshan Ali (wk).
Match Details | ||
Match | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong | 1st Match | Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 | |
Date | 09/09/2025 (Tuesday) | |
Time | 08:30 PM (BDT) / 07:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM (INR) | |
Format | T20 | |
Venue | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | |
Recent performance | Afghanistan – L W W W L | Hong Kong – W L W W L |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Streaming Score on SLH (Sports Live Hub) | |
AFG vs HKG Outfield Report
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch in Abu Dhabi is known for its even bounce and support for both batters and bowlers. Spinners often come into play in the middle overs, making this a venue where strategic batting is key. Teams may prefer chasing due to the dew factor in night matches.
Weather conditions are expected to be hot and dry, with temperatures around 35°C at match time. Clear skies and minimal wind will ensure uninterrupted play, favoring batting-friendly conditions as the match progresses.
Historically, Abu Dhabi has produced moderate-scoring games, with first-inning totals often hovering between 150 and 170. However, strong bowling sides have defended scores as low as 140, making toss decisions crucial in this clash.
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
Afghanistan and Hong Kong have not met frequently in recent years, with Afghanistan holding a clear upper hand in their limited encounters. Based on current form and experience, Afghanistan enters this clash as strong favorites to claim victory.
AFG vs HKG Prediction
Event | Afghanistan | Hong Kong |
Toss Winner | Afghanistan | – |
Player of the Match | Ibrahim Zadran | – |
Top Run Scorer | Ibrahim Zadran | Anshy Rath |
Top Wicket Taker | Rashid Khan | Yasim Murtaza |
Most Sixes | Ibrahim Zadran | Anshy Rath |
Predicted Score | 190+ | 170+ |
Win Probability | 53% | 47% |
According to cricket analysts Afghanistan have a 53% chance of Winning.
