Asia Cup 2025 | Match 1: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong | Preview and Predictions

The first game of the 2025 Asia Cup brings us a clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 9, 2025.

For the game, here are our preview and predictions.

Asia Cup 2025 | Match 1: AFG vs HK | 20:00 IST, September 9

Afghanistan come into the Asia Cup off the back of losing their recent tri-series final to Pakistan. Ibrahim Zadran has been in stellar form with the bat, while young Sediqullah Atal has also impressed. The Afghans also have experience in the batting unit through Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, and Azmatullah Omarzai.

That said, their biggest strength remains their bowling attack, with a spin bowling line-up including the likes of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Nabi. The likes of Sharafuddin Ashraf and Gulbadin Naib are also more than handy to roll over their arms, making Afghanistan proper contenders for the title coming into the tournament. 

On the other hand, there is Hong Kong, who were last in T20I action back in July in the Asia Pacific Cricket Champions Trophy, where they lost the final to Malaysia. One of the top nations among the associates, they boast solid players such as Zeeshan Ali, Anshuman Rath, Yasim Murtaza, and Ehsan Khan. Rath and Ali have been among the runs in the past year and will be key for Hong Kong as they look to gain valuable experience in this tournament. 

Afghanistan start as the overwhelming favourites here. At the Abu Dhabi ground, which should bring about a lot of runs, expect Rashid Khan and Co to pick up a big win to get their campaign going.

Fantasy XI: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Anshuman Rath, Zeeshan Ali, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Ayush Shukla, Yasim Murtaza, Ehsan Khan, Noor Ahmad

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Winners Prediction: Afghanistan