Abu Dhabi, September 8, 2025 – The stage is finally set, and the wait is over. The Asia Cup 2025 kicks off with an opening clash that promises both grit and drama as Afghanistan square off against Hong Kong, China at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, September 9.
The desert venue, already steeped in cricketing history, now plays host to a fresh chapter of Asia’s most unpredictable tournament.
This is no ordinary opener. For the first time, eight teams are competing in the Asia Cup, up from six in the last edition. The entire competition is in the fast-paced T20I format, tailored with the 2026 T20 World Cup in mind. Although India is the official host, political tensions with Pakistan have pushed the tournament to the UAE—a country that has long been a second home for several Asian sides.
The Group of Death
The expanded format means higher stakes, and Group B is already being branded as the “group of death.” Alongside Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong, China are in the mix, ensuring that every match could make or break a campaign. In such a setup, momentum becomes critical, and that is exactly what Afghanistan will be looking for in their opening fixture.
Afghanistan: From Underdogs to Contenders
Few cricketing stories are as remarkable as that of Afghanistan. Once considered outsiders, they have now transformed into genuine contenders. Their run to the semi-finals in the 2024 T20 World Cup was a landmark achievement, but the burning question remains: can they finally capture a major trophy?
They enter this Asia Cup with a point to prove. Just a few days ago, they were bundled out for a meager 66 against Pakistan in the Tri-Series final—a collapse that exposed their fragile batting. Yet, resilience has always defined them. Rashid Khan, their talismanic captain, has once again found his rhythm, picking up nine wickets in that series, including a fiery three-wicket spell in his 100th T20I.
Their bowling attack remains their greatest strength. The spin cartel of Rashid, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, and newcomer AM Ghazanfar is tailor-made for UAE’s slow and turning pitches. Add the pace duo of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, along with the all-round balance of Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib, and Afghanistan’s bowling looks like a world-class unit.
The batting, however, is the big question mark. Ibrahim Zadran’s return to form with two half-centuries in the Tri-Series offers hope. Sediqullah Atal also chipped in with valuable runs, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz remains the x-factor at the top. Veterans Nabi and Karim Janat provide depth, but consistency will be the ultimate test. For Afghanistan to truly emerge as champions, they must shed their over-reliance on spin and prove they can post competitive totals under pressure.
Hong Kong: Chasing History
For Hong Kong, China, this tournament is about belief and breaking barriers. Returning for their fifth Asia Cup appearance and second in the T20I format, they are still searching for their first win. Their qualification came through the ACC Men’s Premier Cup, where they secured a top-three finish among associate nations.
Preparation hasn’t been ideal. Months of indoor training left them short of match practice, and a hurried two-week camp in Dubai was all they had before arriving in Abu Dhabi. Still, the squad is not short of talent. Anshy Rath, averaging over 50 in T20Is this year, has been their most reliable batter. Veteran Babar Hayat brings firepower, having previously scored a T20I century in the Asia Cup—something only Virat Kohli has also achieved. Captain Yasim Murtaza and opener Nizakat Khan provide solidity, while Zeeshan Ali offers explosive stroke play.
Their bowling unit may be their trump card. Ehsan Khan’s off-spin has proven lethal in Associate cricket, while Murtaza’s left-arm spin complements him well. Young pacer Ayush Shukla, who famously bowled four maidens in a single T20I in 2024, adds variety. Backed by Ateeq Iqbal, Nasrulla Rana, and Kalhan Challu, Hong Kong, China are disciplined, if not star-studded. Their biggest challenge, however, remains lack of exposure against top-tier opposition.
Conditions and Strategy
Recent matches in the UAE have highlighted a clear trend: batting first is an enormous advantage. In the Tri-Series, all seven matches—including the final—were won by the team that batted first, often by wide margins. Totals above 170 were tough to chase, spinners found plenty of grip, and chasing sides struggled under lights. With evening starts at 6:30 pm local time, the toss could well dictate the course of the game.
Head-to-Head and Stakes
The sides last met in a T20I back in 2016, when Afghanistan prevailed. However, Hong Kong, China stunned them in an ODI at the 2018 World Cup Qualifier, reminding everyone that upsets are always possible.
The Asia Cup format sees the top two teams from each group progressing to the Super 4s, followed by the final on September 28. India, the defending ODI champions, and Sri Lanka, winners of the last T20I edition, remain the favorites. But with Afghanistan starting as strong contenders and Hong Kong, China chasing their first-ever win, this opener has all the ingredients for fireworks.
The Big Picture
As the Asia Cup 2025 begins, the spotlight falls firmly on Afghanistan’s spin juggernaut and Hong Kong’s burning desire to make history. One side seeks to confirm its status as a heavyweight; the other craves a breakthrough moment. Under the desert lights of Abu Dhabi, the opening game could well set the tone for the entire tournament.