Asia Cup 2025 will get underway with the Group Stage match of Afghanistan versus Hong Kong on September 9 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Hong Kong missed out in 2023 and have now come back, possibly to make an impact against the Afghans.
Hong Kong’s Top Order: Making Way
Having Babar Hayat and Anshuman Rath open for Hong Kong would be the obvious approach considering they are two of Hong Kong’s most experienced batsmen. They represented Hong Kong in the 2022 Asia Cup and would be looking to bring a bit of stability alongside some power in the first six overs.
Rath being technically perfect would hold things together, and Bar Hayat would be aggressive enough to get runs quickly. How they do in those first six overs would be crucial against one of the best bowling attacks of Afghanistan.
Middle-Order: Kinchit Shah is the Key
Middle-order batting consists of a combination of new and experienced players like Martin Coetzee, Zeeshan Ali, Kalhan Challu, Kinchit Shah, and Anas Khan. Kinchit Shah is the most solid batter who could stabilize an innings in times of crisis.
Shah’s ability to handle pressure, rotate the strike and find gaps will be important. If he gets support from stroke-makers like Coetzee and Ali, Hong Kong can target a good score, especially if they bat first.
Bowling Attack: Spin is the Way to Go
Hong Kong will use a lot of spinners which is perfect for the Abu Dhabi conditions. Yasim Murtaza, who is also the captain, will lead the attack. Nizakat Khan and Ehsan Khan will join him, both have experience from regional and associate tournaments.
Since the UAE pitches help spinners, Hong Kong’s decision to use only one main fast bowler Mohammad Waheed makes sense. Waheed will need to use the new ball well and get early wickets before the spinners take over in the middle overs.
Challenges and Chances
It won’t be easy against Afghanistan who have depth in both batting and bowling. But Hong Kong has pulled off surprises before and will try to do it again. They need to bat with good discipline in the middle overs and keep Afghanistan’s threatening top order in check through their spin bowling.
Predicted Hong Kong Playing XI vs Afghanistan – Asia Cup 2025 Match 1:
1. Babar Hayat
2. Anshuman Rath (wk)
3. Martin Coetzee
4. Zeeshan Ali
5. Kalhan Challu
6. Kinchit Shah
7. Anas Khan
8. Yasim Murtaza (c)
9. Nizakat Khan
10. Ehsan Khan
11. Mohammad Waheed
They will hope to get off to a flying start.
