The Asia Cup 2025 kicks off on Tuesday, September 9, with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in the opening clash at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. This Group B fixture will be the first-ever T20 meeting between the two sides in Asia Cup history, adding extra significance to the contest.
Afghanistan enter the tournament as favourites thanks to their stronger T20 record, although they want to bounce back quickly after losing to Pakistan in the UAE Tri-Series final. Rashid Khan’s men have their eyes set on reaching the Super Four, but Hong Kong will be eager to spoil their plans and make a statement in the tournament opener.
Head-to-head record: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong in T20Is
Afghanistan and Hong Kong have faced each other five times in T20Is. Afghanistan lead the rivalry with three wins, while Hong Kong have two victories, both recorded back in 2015. The two sides last met in 2016, and since then Afghanistan have made significant strides in the shortest format.
- Total matches: 5
- Afghanistan wins: 3
- Hong Kong wins: 3
- Tied/No result: 0
Top players to watch: Batters & Bowlers
Batters to watch
Ibrahim Zadran (AFG): Afghanistan’s top-order anchor with 214 runs in his last seven T20Is at an average of over 30, providing stability and consistent starts.
Anshuman Rath (HKG): Hong Kong’s in-form batter with 446 runs in his last ten matches at an average close to 50 and a strike rate above 150, making him their key run-getter.
Bowlers to watch
Rashid Khan (AFG): World-class leg-spinner who remains Afghanistan’s biggest weapon in T20Is, using his variations to trouble batters in all phases of the game.
Yasim Murtaza (HKG): Hong Kong’s leading bowler who thrives in middle overs, capable of exploiting conditions to break partnerships and keep the scoring rate in check.
AFG vs. HKG betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
Afghanistan enter this contest as overwhelming favourites, priced at 1.05 to win by Dafabet. Hong Kong, meanwhile, stand as heavy underdogs at 10.08, highlighting the gulf in quality and recent form between the two teams.
On current form, Afghanistan’s superior batting depth and Rashid Khan’s bowling threat give them a clear edge. Hong Kong will need a near-perfect performance to cause an upset, but in T20 cricket, momentum swings can never be ruled out.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
Afghanistan | 1.05 |
Hong Kong | 10.08 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
1. Ibrahim Zadran to be Afghanistan’s top batter
2. Rashid Khan to take 2 or more wickets
3. Afghanistan to hit the most sixes
Explore live odds, predictions, and betting guides in the TSN betting section.
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong: Expected playing XIs and team news
Afghanistan Team News
Afghanistan look well-balanced ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 opener. The batting firepower comes from openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and skipper Ibrahim Zadran, who have more than 3000 T20I runs between them. Young wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq adds fresh energy behind the stumps and in the middle order. The all-round options are strong, with Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, and Azmatullah Omarzai providing both runs and wickets.
Spin is once again Afghanistan’s biggest weapon. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad form a high-class trio that dominated the UAE T20I Tri-Series. Pace options include Fareed Ahmad’s left-arm swing and newcomer Abdollah Ahmadzai, who impressed with three wickets in his domestic final. This blend of experience and youth gives Afghanistan both depth and variety.
Afghanistan (predicted playing XI): Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran (c), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Abdollah Ahmadzai
MORE: Asia Cup 2025: Full squads for all teams participating in UAE T20I tournament
Hong Kong Team News
Hong Kong face a tough challenge against top-tier opposition. Babar Hayat remains their most reliable batter, though his scoring has lacked consistency. Veterans Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath add stability, with Rath’s explosive knock of 27 off 12 balls in their last outing standing out amid an otherwise weak batting display. The rest of the lineup has struggled, with players like Martin Coetzee yet to find form.
Behind the stumps, Zeeshan Ali offers steady glovework, but his batting tempo remains a concern. Yasim Murtaza and Ehsan Khan provide control with spin, while the pace unit of Aizaz Khan, Nasrulla Rana, and newcomer Paras Singh lacks bite at this level. Hong Kong’s bowling has been expensive in recent outings, leaving captain Murtaza with big questions to answer.
Hong Kong (predicted playing XI): Zeeshan Ali (wk), Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Anshy Rath, Martin Coetzee, Yasim Murtaza (c), Aizaz Khan, Nasrulla Rana, Waqas Barkat, Ehsan Khan, Paras Singh
AFG vs. HKG live scorecard: 1st T20I Asia Cup
To follow the action between Afghanistan vs Hong Kong live, you can make use of the live scorecard feature on Parimatch's website.
Navigate to the game of your choice and click the scorecard icon to follow along, and bet live with the action with a trusted site.
Where to watch AFG vs. HKG 1st T20I in India
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Date & Time (IST): Tuesday, September 09, 8:30 p.m
- Live Telecast & Streaming Details: Sony Sports Networks and Sony LIV app & website
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