AFG vs HK 1st Match Asia Cup 2025, Match Prediction, Pitch Report, Playing XI & Injury Updates

The stage is set for the opening game of the Asia Cup 2025, as Afghanistan goes head-to-head with Hong Kong in what promises to be an exciting start to the tournament. Fans can look forward to live scores, in-depth match previews, weather and pitch updates, team line-ups, and expert predictions—all in real time. Whether you're tracking every ball or just catching up on the highlights, we've got you covered for everything Asia Cup 2025.

Afghanistan vs Hong Kong – Asia Cup 2025 1st Match Preview

The wait is finally over, The Asia Cup 2025 begins on 9 September in the United Arab Emirates, with the curtain-raiser between Afghanistan and Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. This marks the start of the 17th edition of the Asia Cup, a tournament that has given cricket fans across the globe some of the most memorable moments in the sport.

This year's competition, played in the T20I format, promises non-stop action as eight teams battle for continental supremacy. While the marquee clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled later, the spotlight today falls on Afghanistan and Hong Kong, two sides hungry to make their mark on the big stage.

Afghanistan enters the Asia Cup 2025 as a team that can upset any opponent. With world-class spinners like Rashid Khan and power hitters such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz, they have developed into one of the most dangerous sides in T20 cricket. Their fearless batting and aggressive bowling style have made them fan favourites, and they will look to start their campaign with a strong performance.

Afghanistan will also have an eye on the Asia Cup 2025 points table, knowing that early wins are crucial in the group stage. If they click as a unit, they could go deep into the tournament.

For Hong Kong, qualifying for the Asia Cup 2025 itself is a significant achievement. Yet, they are not here to make up the numbers. Their young batting unit, led by Nizakat Khan, can surprise bigger teams. The side will rely heavily on disciplined bowling and sharp fielding to compete against more vigorous opposition like Afghanistan.

Playing against a well-balanced Afghan side will be a stern test, but Hong Kong know that a strong opening game can lift their confidence for the rest of the tournament.

Asia Cup – A Legacy of Champions

Since its inception in 1984, the Asia Cup winners list has been dominated by cricket giants:

India – 8 titles

Sri Lanka – 6 titles

Pakistan – 2 titles

As the 17th edition kicks off, the stage is set for big Asian nations to once again showcase their cricketing might, but at the same time, rising teams like Afghanistan and Hong Kong are ready to write their own chapter.

The Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, 1st Match of Asia Cup 2025, is more than just a tournament opener—it's the beginning of three weeks of high-voltage cricket. Afghanistan will start as the favourites, but Hong Kong's fighting spirit makes this clash an intriguing one. With the cricketing world watching closely, fans can expect fireworks right from ball one in Abu Dhabi.

Head-to-Head: AFG vs HK- Who Holds the Advantage?

When we talk about the head-to-head record between Afghanistan and Hong Kong in T20 cricket, Afghanistan holds a clear advantage over Hong Kong. In their six T20 International matches, Afghanistan has won four, while Hong Kong has secured two victories. This strong head-to-head record, combined with Afghanistan's overall rise in the cricketing world, positions them as the clear favourites for their upcoming Asia Cup encounter. Let’s break down their head-to-head record to see who holds the edge ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 opener Match:

Total Matches Played: 6

Afghanistan Wins: 4

Hong Kong Wins: 2

No Result/Abandoned Matches: 0

Recent Forms of Afghanistan and Hong Kong:

AFG: L W W W L 

HK: W L W W L 

AFG vs HK Match Predictions: Who Holds the Advantage?

Based on their past performance and current standing in the world of cricket, Afghanistan is the clear favourite in their match against Hong Kong. The Afghan team's strength lies in its dynamic roster, which has consistently outperformed Hong Kong in the T20 format. In their head-to-head encounters, Afghanistan has a decisive winning record, demonstrating a superior skill set and strategic approach. While Hong Kong will undoubtedly aim to challenge their more established opponents, Afghanistan's momentum and experience make them the team with the distinct advantage.

Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Squad Injury Update:

No Injury concerns.

Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Match, Date, Time & Venue:

Match: AFG vs HK 1st Match of Asia Cup 2025

Date: 9 September 2025

Time: 8:00 PM

Stadium: Seikh Zayed Stadium 

Location: Abu Dhabi

Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Match Pitch Report:

Asia Cup 2025 opening match between Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, will be played on 9 September at 8:00 PM in Seikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The Seikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi hosted a total of 90 T20 matches, 41 matches won batting first and 49 matches won batting 2nd and 0 matches with no result.  The pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is generally considered a batting-friendly surface, especially at the beginning of a match. It provides good bounce, allowing batters to play their shots freely. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down. This change in pace brings spinners and bowlers with good variations into play, as they can get the ball to grip and turn. Due to the pitch's nature and the potential for dew in evening and night matches (particularly between October and March), captains often prefer to win the toss and bowl first, as chasing becomes easier under lights. 

T20I Stats	Value
Total Matches	90
Batting First Won	41
Bowling First Won	49
1st Innings Average Score	136
2nd Innings Average Score	123
Highest Total	225/7 by IRE vs AFG
Lowest Total	54/10 by USAW vs THAIW
Highest Chased	174/2 by SA vs IRE
Lowest Defended	93/8 by THAIW vs PNGW

Key Players – Asia Cup 2025 1st Match: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong 

Afghanistan Key Players:

Rahmatullah Gurbaz: A crucial top-order batsman and wicketkeeper, his ability to score quickly at the start of the innings makes him a key player.

Rashid Khan: As the team captain, his leadership and all-around skills are pivotal to the team's strategy.

Fazalhaq Farooqi: A prominent pacer, he is known for his ability to take crucial early wickets and maintain effectiveness in the final overs of the innings.

Azmatullah Omarzai: His role as a versatile all-rounder, particularly with his skill in using pace variations and cutters, makes him a significant asset who can influence the match's outcome. 

Hong Kong Key Players:

Yasim Murtaza: The team captain and a spin all-rounder, his leadership and skills with both bat and ball are crucial for the team's success.

Anshuman Rath: A seasoned top-order batsman, his experience and ability to anchor the innings make him a vital part of the batting lineup.

Babar Hayat: Known for his aggressive batting and leadership as the vice-captain, his contributions are key to the team's performance.

Ayush Shukla: A promising young right-arm seamer, his ability to take wickets and bowl economically makes him a player to watch.

Possible Playing 11 for Afganistan:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Possible playing 11 for Hong Kong:

Nizakat Khan, Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (c), Aizaz Khan, Zeeshan Ali (wk), Ehsan Khan, Haroon Arshad, Ayush Shukla, Mohammad Ghazanfar

Also Read: Highest Individual Score in Asia Cup History