Published on: Sep 8, 2025 2:23 pm IST | Updated on: Sep 23, 2025 2:47 pm IST
The 17th edition of the Asia Cup is here. The 2025 edition is all set to be played in T20 format, and we are here for the opening game of the competition, set to be played between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. This is a Group B game that will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the Group B Asia Cup T20I encounter between AFG vs HK at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
On paper, Afghanistan is a much-improved side compared to Hong Kong. Despite losing the finals of the UAE tri-series to Pakistan, Afghanistan packs a punch in T20I cricket and has the upper hand even in head-to-head contests against Hong Kong. The team looks settled not only for this game but for the tournament as well. Therefore, the win probability meter will fall in favor of the Afghanis. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the AFG vs HK Group B Match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
AFG: 64% win chance HK: 36% win chance
The Afghan opener emerged as the highest run-getter in the recently concluded tri-series. He will be once again on the radar for scoring runs in this match.
The Afghan no 3 will be a key batter in the middle order. He stuck 2 fifties in the recently concluded tri-series and will be a key figure in this tournament.
The experienced Anshuman Rath will be a key figure in the batting unit of Hong Kong. He averages 49 in the last 10 T20I matches.
Rashid Khan emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the recently concluded tri-series. The Afghan skipper is expected to be the leading wicket-taker in this match.
Check out our prediction for the AFG vs HK 1st Match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Afghanistan must be gutted after missing out on winning the UAE tri-series final against Pakistan. Afghanistan was one of the favorites to win that series, but a ridiculous batting failure led to the downfall of Afghanistan. They eventually fell short by 75 runs while chasing a mere 142.
Afghanistan now must look to take the right foot forward. Heading into the Asia Cup 2025, an event this team has never won despite numerous attempts, Afghanistan must put up a decent effort. Group B comprises teams such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong, with two test-playing nations in the group besides themselves; Afghanistan will face a stiff challenge in making it to the next round.
However, they should rely on their world-class spinners who can spin a web around any batting line in conditions familiar for slow bowlers. Afghanistan has got it all, from reliable batters to world-class spinners tailor-made for these surfaces.
Hong Kong will be eager to make a statement when they face Afghanistan in the opening Group B clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at Abu Dhabi. While Afghanistan enters the contest as clear favorites, boasting world-class spinners like Rashid Khan and a potent pace attack led by Fazalhaq Farooqui, Hong Kong have quietly built a competitive T20 unit capable of springing surprises.
Led by the in-form Anshuman Rath, who averages nearly 50 with a strike rate above 150, Hong Kong’s batting has the firepower to challenge Afghanistan’s bowlers. Middle-order contributors like Zeeshan Ali and all-rounder Yasim Murtaza add depth and balance, while young pacer Ayush Shukla has impressed with his control and economy.
Historically, Hong Kong have beaten Afghanistan twice in T20Is, and they’ll draw confidence from those upsets as they look to punch above their weight. With no pressure of expectations and a chance to disrupt the group dynamics, Hong Kong could push Afghanistan hard, especially if they bat first and posts a competitive total.
A spirited performance here would not only boost their campaign but also reinforce their growing reputation among associate nations. Expect a gritty contest with flashes of brilliance from both sides. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 5 HK won: 2 AFG won: 3 No Result: 0 RECENT form AFGHANISTAN: L W W W L RECENT form HONG KONG: W L W W W
Hong Kong and Afghanistan have clashed only 5 times in T20Is. Afghanistan has a slight upper hand with 3 wins, whereas Hong Kong has won 2. Their last meeting took place in 2016, a game that was won by 6 wickets.
How will the two teams, i.e., Afghanistan and Hong Kong, fare in the 1st match of the Asia Cup 2025? Let’s take a look.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (C), Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazan, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Niazakat Khan Mohammad, Kinchit Shah, Zeeshan Ali (wk), Mohammad Aizaz Khan, Ayush Ashish Shukla, Nasrulla Rana, Ehsan Khan, Mohammad Waheed, Mohammad Ghazanfar
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st match of the Asia Cup 2025 between Afghanistan and Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi:
Toss Prediction
With Abu Dhabi’s surface offering early assistance to pacers and slowing down later, both captains may lean toward batting first. However, Afghanistan is likely to win the toss and opt to bowl, aiming to exploit the fresh pitch conditions and chase comfortably under lights in the tournament opener.
Where to Watch Today’s Match
The online live streaming of the 1st match of the Asia Cup 2025 will take place live on the Sony LIV app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on the Sony Sports 1, 3, and 5 channels.
Afghanistan will surely start as the favorites for this match. Despite losing the UAE tri-series final, the Afghanis will enter this contest with confidence against a minnow team like Hong Kong, whom they have defeated three times out of five. The odds should favor Afghanistan for a win. Therefore, as per our prediction, Afghanistan is expected to win the AFG vs HK 1st match of the Asia Cup 2025.