The Asia Cup 2025 gets underway with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in the tournament opener at the Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday, September 9. The two sides come into this clash with very different expectations: Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan will want to shrug off their recent loss to Pakistan in the Tri-Series final, while Hong Kong arrive with nothing to lose and plenty to prove.
Afghanistan eye a strong start
Afghanistan’s recent defeat in Sharjah against Pakistan may have dented their confidence, but this side remains one of the most dangerous in these conditions. Their spin-heavy attack, led by captain Rashid Khan and backed by Mujeeb ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad, is tailor-made for Abu Dhabi’s surfaces. With the bat, the focus will again be on Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who endured a lean run in the tri-series but remains their most explosive top-order batter. Add the consistency of Ibrahim Zadran and the experience of Mohammad Nabi, and Afghanistan start as clear favourites in Group B.
Hong Kong bank on openers to deliver
For Yasim Murtaza’s Hong Kong side, the challenge is steep. Drawn alongside Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, their path looks daunting. But the team will take heart from the form of openers Zeeshan Ali and Anshuman Rath, both of whom have struck T20I hundreds this year. Rath, in particular, has been Hong Kong’s pillar, averaging just under 50 in 2025. Their bowlers, however, will need to punch above their weight to trouble Afghanistan’s batting order in the heat of Abu Dhabi.
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Asia Cup 2025: Match details & live streaming
| Fixture | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Asia Cup 2025 Match 1 |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, September 9, 2025 |
| Venue | Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| Match Start Time | 8:00 PM IST |
| Toss Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Live Streaming (India) | SonyLIV app & website |
| TV Broadcast (India) | Sony Sports 1, Sony Sports 3 (Hindi), Sony Sports 4 (Telugu & Tamil), Sony Sports 5 |
| Where to Watch in USA | Willow TV |
| Where to Watch in Pakistan | PTV Sports HD, streaming on Tapmad & Myco |
| Where to Watch in Bangladesh | Gazi TV, streaming on Toffee & Tapmad |
| Where to Watch in Sri Lanka | Sirasa TV, TV-1, Dialog ViU app |
| Where to Watch in UAE/MENA | CricLife, CricLife Max (eLife TV, Switch TV), streaming on StarzPlay |
| Where to Watch in Australia | Kayo Sports |
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Gautam Gambhir avoids back-to-back series defeats, but selection & tactics concerns remain
Top Stories
