The wait is finally over! Asia Cup 2025 kicks off on September 9, 2025, with a historic clash between Afghanistan (AFG) and Hong Kong (HKG) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. This will be the first-ever Asia Cup meeting between these two nations in T20I format — making it a special occasion for both sides.
Afghanistan enters the game as favorites, boasting a strong spin attack and experience of playing big tournaments, while Hong Kong will aim to create an upset and announce their arrival on the big stage.
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Head-to-Head Records
Here’s a detailed look at their head-to-head records across formats:
| Format | Matches | Afghanistan Wins | Hong Kong Wins | Tied/No Result | Win % (AFG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 66.7% |
| ODI | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50% |
| Asia Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
Match Details – Asia Cup 2025 Opener
- Match: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
- Format: T20I (Asia Cup 2025 Group A)
- Date: Tuesday, 9 September 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST | 6:00 PM Local (UAE) | 2:00 PM GMT
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Streaming & Broadcast: Sony Sports Network (TV), SonyLIV (Online Streaming)
The Sheikh Zayed pitch generally supports spinners and disciplined pacers, so expect a low-to-mid scoring thriller.
Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Captain: Rashid Khan
Wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Ishaq
Full Squad:
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Hong Kong Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Captain: Yasim Murtaza
Vice-Captain: Babar Hayat
Wicketkeepers: Zeeshan Ali, Shahid Wasif
Full Squad:
Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat (vc), Zeeshan Ali (wk), Niazakat Khan Mohammad, Martin Coetzee, Anshuman Rath, Kalhan Marc Challu, Ayush Ashish Shukla, Mohammad Aizaz Khan, Ateeq ul Rehman Iqbal, Kinchit Shah, Adil Mehmood, Haroon Mohammad Arshad, Ali Hassan, Shahid Wasif (wk), Mohammad Ghazanfar, Mohammad Waheed, Anas Khan
Last 5 T20I Encounters (AFG vs HKG)
| Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 10, 2016 | Nagpur, India | Afghanistan won by 3 runs |
| Feb 21, 2016 | Dhaka, Bangladesh | Afghanistan won by 66 runs |
| Nov 27, 2015 | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hong Kong won by 4 wickets |
| Jul 20, 2015 | Dublin, Ireland | Hong Kong won by 5 wickets |
| Mar 17, 2014 | Chattogram, Bangladesh | Afghanistan won by 1 run |
AFG vs HK Players to Watch
Afghanistan’s X-Factor: Rashid Khan
The Afghan skipper is undoubtedly the team’s game-changer. Rashid’s ability to break partnerships with his leg-spin, control the middle overs, and contribute quick runs with the bat makes him Afghanistan’s biggest asset. His experience in global leagues and knack for delivering under pressure could tilt the match in Afghanistan’s favor.
Hong Kong’s X-Factor: Babar Hayat
Hong Kong’s most reliable batter and vice-captain, Babar Hayat, has the potential to anchor the innings and counter Afghanistan’s spin attack. If he gets going, Hong Kong could post a competitive total or chase down tricky targets.
FAQs – Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
Q1: How many times have Afghanistan and Hong Kong faced each other in T20Is?
They have met 6 times, with Afghanistan winning 4 and Hong Kong winning 2.
Q2: Is this the first Asia Cup match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong?
Yes! This is their first-ever Asia Cup T20 clash.
Q3: Which stadium is hosting AFG vs HKG Asia Cup 2025 opener?
The match will be played at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Q4: Who is captaining Afghanistan and Hong Kong in Asia Cup 2025?
Rashid Khan is leading Afghanistan, while Yasim Murtaza is captaining Hong Kong.
Q5: Where to watch AFG vs HKG live in India?
Fans can watch the match on Sony Sports Network (TV) and SonyLIV app/website (live streaming).
