AFG vs HK 1st Match Prediction & Preview: Afghanistan will face Hong Kong in a high-voltage clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Afghanistan enters as the strong favourites with a powerful spin-bowling unit and an in-form batting lineup, while Hong Kong will look to punch above their weight against a full-member side.
Here’s a detailed preview of the AFG vs HK 1st Match 2025, including the date, venue, team news, pitch report, key players, weather, and a winning prediction.
Match Details – AFG vs HK Asia Cup 2025- 1st Match
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | AFG vs HK, 1st Match |
| Date | 09 September 2025 |
| Time | 07:30 IST |
| Venue | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar |
| Format | T20 |
AFG vs HK 1st Match Preview and Team Analysis
Afghanistan
Skipper Rashid Khan leads an experienced Afghan side looking to start their campaign on a high. The batting is solid with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Azmatullah Omarzai providing firepower. All-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Karim Janat add depth.
Bowling remains Afghanistan’s biggest strength. With Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and AM Ghazanfar in spin, backed by pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Omarzai, they look well-balanced.
Key Players: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi
Predicted XI (AFG): Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Hong Kong
Captain Yasim Murtaza knows his side faces a tough challenge. Hong Kong’s batting relies heavily on Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, and Nizakat Khan. They need strong partnerships to counter Afghanistan’s spinners.
The bowling unit lacks big names, but Ateeq Iqbal and Adil Mehmood must deliver early breakthroughs. Spinners Kincht Shah and Yasim Murtaza will play a key role in slowing down the scoring.
Key Players: Nizakat Khan, Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat
Predicted XI (HKG): Yasim Murtaza (c), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Martin Coetzee, Nizakat Khan, Aizaz Khan, Zeeshan Ali (wk), Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan, Kincht Shah, Adil Mehmood
AFG vs HK: Pitch and Weather Report
Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
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Pitch Condition: Batting-friendly & Spinners-friendly pitch
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Batting: 180+ runs could be a match-winning total
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Pace Bowling: early movement, variations key at the death
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Spin Bowling: Spinners enjoy sharp turns and control the middle overs
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Average 1st Innings Score (T20s): 183
Toss Prediction: Teams are likely to bowl first, as chasing sides have dominated at this venue.
Weather Forecast – Abu Dhabi
Clear skies are expected with no rain interruptions. Temperatures will hover around 32–35°C with moderate humidity. Perfect conditions for cricket.
AFG vs HK Match Prediction: Who Will 1st Match of the Asia Cup 2025
Hong Kong has struggled against higher-ranked teams and lacks depth in both batting and bowling. Afghanistan, with its world-class spinners and power hitters, appears significantly stronger on paper.
Prediction: Afghanistan to beat Hong Kong
Read Also: AFG vs HK Weather Forecast –Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium
