Overview:
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch in Abu Dhabi for T20 matches typically presents a balanced surface that initially favours batsmen with good pace and bounce.
Afghanistan and Hong Kong kick off the proceedings in the Asia Cup 2025. The 17th edition of the premier Asian cricket tournament is set to be held in the T20I format. The 3rd edition of the Asia Cup in T20I format sees Afghanistan and Hong Kong play each other in Group B. Afghanistan come into the Asia Cup on the back of a dismal performance in the just concluded T20I Tri-series final against Pakistan, where they fell for 66 runs in a chase of 142. This was the 2nd-lowest all-out T20I total overall and the lowest score against Pakistan.
The Afghanistan vs Hong Kong match is set to be held at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi in the UAE.
Rashid Khan leads the Afghanistan side in this tournament. Afghanistan have several key performers in their side and bowling is their strength. Afghanistan have a strong spin unit and an able pace attack to hurt teams. Their batting, however, remains a bit inconsistent. Skipper Rashid will hope his side comes out all guns blazing and manage to express themselves.
Minnows Hong Kong were one of the three sides that made it to the Asia Cup 2025 through the 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup. Hong Kong, who have been making decent noise in the T20I circuit against the lesser-known sides, will aim to express themselves. This is now the fifth time that Hong Kong have qualified for the Asia Cup.
Afghanistan squad for the Asia Cup 2025
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Hong Kong squad for the Asia Cup 2025
Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat, Zeeshan Ali, Niazakat Khan, Nasrulla Rana, Martin Coetzee, Anshy Rath, Kalhan Challu, Ayush Shukla, Aizaz Khan, Ateeq Iqbal, Kinchit Shah, Ali Hassan, Shahid Wasif, Mohammad Ghazanfar, Mohammad Waheed, Ehsan Khan.
In terms of the H2H record, Afghanistan and Hong Kong have met 5 times in T20I cricket. The Afghans have won three matches with Hong Kong winning two.
Afghanistan probable XI for the match against Hong Kong
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq.
Hong Kong probable XI for the match against Afghanistan
Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza, Babar Hayat, Kinchit Shah, Zeeshan Ali (wk), Aizaz Khan, Haroon Arshad, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ghazanfar Mohammad Aftab Hussain.
The Group B opening match will start at 8:00pm IST on September 9 in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi & Key Details of the Stadium
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi is located in the UAE. Established in 2004, the stadium can host around 20000 people. As per ESPNcricinfo, the stadium cost $22 million to build and is arguably one of the world’s finest cricket grounds.
Interestingly, there is no pavilion as such here at this venue. In fact, there are large changing rooms under one of the stands. Teams watch the game from inside air-conditioned glass rooms.
In terms of cricket, the Afghanistan side has played 16 T20Is here, picking 11 wins and 5 defeats. On the other hand, Hong Kong have played 10 matches with three wins and 7 defeats at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
What is the Pitch like at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi?
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch in Abu Dhabi for T20 matches typically presents a balanced surface that initially favours batsmen with good pace and bounce. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, bringing spinners into prominence and making batting more challenging in the later stages, especially during the second innings. Anything around the 165-170 mark can be a decent total here at this venue.
Key Stats & Records at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
The highest total at this venue is recorded by Ireland, who scored 225/7 versus Afghanistan in 2013. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s best score here is 198/5 versus Zimbabwe in 2021. Hong Kong’s best score here is 166/6 against Afghanistan in 2015.
The lowest team total here is posted by Nigeria (66/9). Afghanistan’s lowest score here is 124/8 in 2021 versus New Zealand.
Overall, Paul Stirling has the most T20I runs here, scoring 406 runs at 33.83. Among active cricketers of Afghanistan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has the most runs here. He owns 188 runs at 20.88.
Among bowlers, Bilal Khan of Oman has the most wickets here. He owns 19 wickets at 15.10 from 12 matches. Meanwhile, among active Afghan bowlers, Rashid Khan owns 16 wickets at 15.81 from 11 matches.
Among team totals, Australia’s 407/7d is the best score here in Tests. Australia’s 254/7 vs Bangladesh in 2003 is the best ODI score here.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the average run rate for teams batting first here in ODIs read 4.95. This drops to 4.84 for teams batting 2nd.
AFG vs HK: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
According to the weather forecast, the weather in Abu Dhabi will be humid and clear. No showers can be expected and there will also be no major interruptions.
AFG vs HK: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
Afghanistan will want to make things work in their favour. They have a solid bowling unit and the spin show is their trump card. Also, having played the tri-series recently in the UAE, it will help their confidence.
FAQs – Pitch Report for Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
What is the pitch report for Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi?
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch in Abu Dhabi for T20 matches typically presents a balanced surface that initially favours batsmen with good pace and bounce. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, bringing spinners into prominence.
What is Afghanistan’s record at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi?
As per ESPNcricinfo, the Afghanistan side has played 16 T20Is here, picking 11 wins and 5 defeats.