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Afghanistan and Hong Kong gear up to clash in Asia Cup opener on Tuesday

Monday, 08-Sep-2025, 04:52 AM
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The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 is set to kick off on Tuesday with the opening match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The match will mark the beginning of a tournament that will have intense competition among Asia’s top teams over the next three weeks.

For Afghanistan, the tournament is another opportunity to demonstrate their growing presence. They, however, come into this match on the back of a defeat against Pakistan in the final of the recently concluded UAE T20I Tri-Series. Nonetheless, star players such as Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Mohammad Nabi will be expected to play crucial roles as the team looks to make a strong statement from the outset.

On the other hand, Hong Kong, who booked their spot in the tournament through the qualifiers, will be eager to showcase their progress against Afghanistan. Hong Kong, who have been on the rise, will aim to exhibit their potential in the mega event through the performances of Kinchit Shah, Anshuman Rath, Zeeshan Ali.

Head-to-head

Matches - 5

AFG won - 3

Hong Kong won - 2

Afghanistan probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), AM Ghazanfar, Naveen ul Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Hong Kong probable XI: Kinchit Shah, Anshuman Rath, Zeeshan Ali (w), Yasim Murtaza (c), Aizaz Khan, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Nasrulla Rana, Mohammad Ghazanfar, Mohammad Waheed, Ayush Shukla

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