AFG vs HK Pitch Report & Weather Update: Afghanistan meet Hong Kong in 1st match of the Asia Cup 2025 at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on 9 September 2025, 8:00 PM IST. This is a floodlit, prime-time T20.
With a late-evening start in the UAE and warm conditions, the pitch + weather will shape this game.
Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi Pitch Report – AFG vs HK
The Abu Dhabi surface is generally balanced. The new ball is true for stroke play, but pace-off and spin become important through the middle overs. In floodlit games here, captains often consider bowling first because conditions can suit chasing, although Abu Dhabi is more balanced than Dubai.
- Batting Conditions: Par 150-165 on a typical Abu Dhabi evening; 170+ is strong if the top order settles. Recent franchise T20S at this venue showed healthy scoring when batters set.
- Pace Bowling: Use a hard length early; switch to cutters and change-ups at the death. If there’s a little moisture after sunset, gripping can get tricky.
- Spin Bowling: Control overs 7-15; build dots with straighter lines as the pitch slows a touch.
Average 1st Innings Score (T20 at this venue): Mid-140s to low-160s window is common across recent T20S; tactics and dew decide the edge.
Toss Prediction: Bowl first is a common call under lights, but well-executed totals can be defended at Abu Dhabi.
AFG vs HK Weather Forecast – Abu Dhabi (9 Sep, evening)
Overall, hot and dry; very low rain risk during match hours.
Hourly Outlook (Local – Abu Dhabi)
| Time (Local) | Temperature | Rain Chance | Wind Speed | Wind Direction | Cloud Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18:00 | 36°C | 0% | 13 km/h | NW | 49% |
| 19:00 | 36°C | 0% | 11 km/h | NW | 3% |
| 20:00 | 35°C | 0% | 11 km/h | NW | 24% |
| 21:00 | 35°C | 0% | 11 km/h | NW | 45% |
| 22:00 | 34°C | 0% | 9 km/h | NW | 65% |
| 23:00 | 34°C | 0% | 9 km/h | NW | 76% |
What Conditions Suggest – AFG vs HK
- If Afghanistan bat first: aim 160+; squeeze with spin and pace-off in overs 7-15.
- If Hong Kong bat first: strong power-play needed; 150-160 keeps them competitive if they nail slower balls late.
- In a floodlit Abu Dhabi game, smart bowling changes plus sharp fielding can still defend a good total.
