The Asia Cup 2025 starts with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on September 9. Afghanistan hopes to win the first match with a balanced team and a strong spin attack.
Likely Afghanistan Playing XI Against Hong Kong
Openers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal
Afghanistan will probably open with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, an experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, and Sediqullah Atal, who’s been in good form. Gurbaz hasn’t been consistent lately, but Atal has stabilized things since he started opening. His ability to hold the innings together while scoring will be important.
Middle Order and All-rounders
Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c)
The middle order includes both young and experienced players. Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai add stability, while Karim Janat and Darwish Rasooli bring aggressive hitting. Veterans Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan will be important, especially for late hitting and leadership when things get tough.
Bowling Attack
Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Afghanistan’s bowling is focused on spin, which should work well with the expected conditions. Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman provide variety, and Rashid Khan is a world-class leg-spinner. Left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi will lead the fast bowlers and try to get early wickets with the new ball.
Match Plan and Conditions
Since the pitch in Abu Dhabi is likely to favor spin, Afghanistan will probably use its spinners to control the middle overs. The plan is to score a good total, ideally over 170, and then defend it with their strong spin bowlers. Mujeeb might bowl early, while Rashid and Noor will focus on the middle and later overs.
Head-to-Head and What to Expect
Afghanistan has won three of five T20Is against Hong Kong, but Hong Kong can be tough. Afghanistan needs to take this game seriously. A good start from their top batters and controlled bowling will be key to winning this important first match.
Predicted Afghanistan Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Mujeeb ur Rehman, Fazalhaq Farooqi
