By Himadullah Sohoo 
Match Overview Afghanistan vs Hong Kong – Asia Cup 2025
The Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 kicks off Group B with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong at Abu Dhabi on September 9, 2025. Afghanistan, known for their spin strength and explosive batting, enter as strong favorites. But Hong Kong, who have beaten Afghanistan twice in T20Is before, will look to script another upset on the continental stage.
Recent Form
- Afghanistan – L, W, W, W, L: Mixed results, but their bowling unit continues to dominate.
- Hong Kong – W, L, W, W, L: Competitive among Associates, but up against a full-member powerhouse.
Players to Watch – Afghanistan (AFG)
- Ibrahim Zadran – In-form top-order batter, 214 runs in 7 matches, avg 30.57, SR 118.88.
- Sediqullah Atal – Steady middle-order presence, 178 runs in 7 games, avg 25.43.
- Rashid Khan – World-class spinner, 22 wickets in 9 matches, economy 6.64, SR 9 – a genuine match-winner.
- Naveen-ul-Haq – Pace spearhead, 12 wickets in 5 games, economy 6.43, SR 9.33, lethal with new ball and at death.
Players to Watch – Hong Kong (HKG)
- Anshuman Rath – Batting star, 446 runs in 10 matches, avg 49.56, SR 150.67.
- Zeeshan Ali – Reliable in the middle order, 317 runs in 10 games, avg 31.7, SR 149.52.
- Yasim Murtaza – Effective all-rounder, 11 wickets in 8 matches, economy 7.27.
- Ayush Shukla – Promising pacer, 8 wickets in 7 matches, economy 6.00.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Meetings: 5
- Afghanistan Wins: 3
- Hong Kong Wins: 2
Last 5 Matches
- Mar 2016 – Afghanistan won by 6 wickets.
- Feb 2016 – Afghanistan won by 66 runs.
- Nov 2015 – Hong Kong won by 4 wickets.
- Jul 2015 – Hong Kong won by 5 wickets.
- Mar 2014 – Afghanistan won by 7 wickets.
Summary: Afghanistan lead 3–2 overall, but Hong Kong have proved they can upset the Afghans.
Match Prediction Afghanistan vs Hong Kong – Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan’s spin power – led by Rashid Khan – and all-round bowling depth give them a big edge. Hong Kong’s hopes rest on Rath and Zeeshan Ali producing runs under pressure.
Prediction: Afghanistan to start Asia Cup 2025 with a win, but Hong Kong will look to fight hard.
Zainab Shafiq