AFG vs CAN Today Match Prediction: T20 World Cup 2026 – Who Will Win? Top Batter and Top Bowler Picks
19 Feb 2026
AFG vs HK 1st Match Playing XI, Team News, Key Players- Asia Cup 2025
AFG vs HK Match Playing XI: Asia Cup 2025 opener as Afghanistan face Hong Kong on Tuesday, 9th September at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi at 8:00 PM IST.
Afghanistan and Hong Kong kick off the Asia Cup 2025 with a high-energy clash under lights at Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan arrive as favourites thanks to their world-class spin attack and powerful top order, while Hong Kong carry a fearless approach and a sharp fielding unit-perfect ingredients for a competitive opener.
Let’s look at the AFG vs HK Match Playing XI, key players, team news, and full squads.
AFG vs HK Match Playing XI – Asia Cup 2025
| Afghanistan Playing XI | Hong Kong Playing XI |
|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) | Yasim Murtaza (c) |
| Ibrahim Zadran | Anshy Rath |
| Sediqullah Atal | Babar Hayat |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Nizakat Khan |
| Mohammad Nabi | Kinchit Shah |
| Karim Janat | Ehsan Khan |
| Gulbadin Naib | Zeeshan Ali (wk) |
| Rashid Khan (c) | Ayush Shukla |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Ateeq Iqbal |
| Naveen-ul-Haq | Nasrulla Rana |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Aizaz Khan |
Note: These are likely XIs based on recent roles and match-ups; confirm at toss.
Key Players to Watch
Afghanistan
- Rashid Khan (c) – Impact leg-spinner; controls overs 7-15 and strikes in crunch moments.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Powerplay enforcer; early boundaries set the tone.
- Azmatullah Omarzai – Middle-order hitter + useful seam; finishes well in UAE conditions.
Hong Kong
- Babar Hayat – Clean striker; key to breaking spin pressure.
- Anshy Rath – Brings stability at the top; rotates strike against spin.
- Ehsan Khan – Street-smart off-spinner; can check the run rate in the middle overs.
AFG vs HK Team News
Afghanistan:
Full-strength core available. Expect a spin-led plan with Rashid + Mujeeb, supported by pace-off at the death. Batting revolves around Gurbaz’s start and Nabi’s experience.
Hong Kong:
Settled leadership with Yasim Murtaza. The middle order has intent, but they must protect wickets in the first six overs and field sharply to stay on par against a stronger lineup.
AFG vs HK Teams Full Squads
Afghanistan Squad:
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Qais Ahmad
Hong Kong Squad:
Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat, Anshy Rath, Nizakat Khan, Kinchit Shah, Ehsan Khan, Zeeshan Ali (wk), Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Nasrulla Rana, Aizaz Khan, Yasim Ahmed, Waqas Khan
Quick Pitch & Conditions (1-minute read)
- Pitch: Abu Dhabi is usually balanced-true new ball, then spin and change-ups dominate the middle overs.
- Par Score: 150-165 is competitive; 170+ is strong if openers settle.
- Toss: Captains often consider bowling first under lights; good totals can still be defended with sharp execution.
