Hong Kong is all set to make its fifth Asia Cup appearance, and the excitement among fans is building. With a mix of experience, youth, and fearless cricket, Hong Kong aims to create an impact in UAE conditions. Under the leadership of Yasim Murtaza, the team looks ready to challenge Asia’s top sides.
Team Overview:
Hong Kong has announced a 20-member squad with a balanced combination of batters, all-rounders, wicket-keepers, and bowlers. The team will kick off their campaign against Afghanistan on September 9, 2025. Their main goal will be to qualify for the Super Four stage by causing an upset against stronger sides like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
HKG Probable Playing XI for Asia Cup 2025
Based on current form, match-ups, and team balance, this is the strongest predicted XI Hong Kong is likely to field:
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Babar Hayat (VC) | Opener, Aggressive Batter |
| 2 | Nizakat Khan | Top-order Batter, Part-time Leg-Spin |
| 3 | Anshuman Rath (WK) | Key Batter & Wicketkeeper |
| 4 | Yasim Murtaza (C) | Captain, Batting All-Rounder |
| 5 | Zeeshan Ali | Middle-order Batter / WK |
| 6 | Kalhan Challu | Finisher, Aggressive Lower-order Batter |
| 7 | Kinchit Shah | Batting All-Rounder |
| 8 | Ehsan Khan | Senior Spinner |
| 9 | Ayush Shukla | Medium-Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Ateeq Iqbal | Right-arm Medium Pacer |
| 11 | Nasrulla Rana | Fast-Medium Bowler, Death-Over Specialist |
This XI gives Hong Kong a strong batting core at the top, stability in the middle order, spin control in the middle overs, and a three-pronged pace attack.
Read more: Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Team Complete Squad
Players to Watch
1. Babar Hayat – The Game Changer
Known for his aggressive batting style, Babar Hayat is Hong Kong’s run machine. He will look to give quick starts in powerplays, setting the tone for the innings.
2. Yasim Murtaza – The New Captain
This will be Murtaza’s first major tournament as captain. His left-arm spin and middle-order batting will be crucial for balance.
3. Nizakat Khan – The Experienced All-Rounder
One of the most experienced players, Nizakat Khan can contribute with both bat and ball. His leadership support as a senior player will be key.
4. Ehsan Khan – Spin Wizard
The senior spinner will control the middle overs and exploit spin-friendly UAE conditions.
5. Nasrulla Rana – X-Factor Bowler
Known for his wicket-taking ability, Nasrulla Rana will be crucial in restricting opposition in death overs.
Hong Kong’s Asia Cup 2025 Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 9, 2025 | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong | UAE |
| Sept 11, 2025 | Hong Kong vs Bangladesh | UAE |
| Sept 15, 2025 | Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka | UAE |
These three matches will decide Hong Kong’s fate in the group stage and whether they advance to the Super Four.
Strengths & Challenges
Strengths:
- Experienced top-order with aggressive intent
- Spin-friendly bowling attack suited for UAE pitches
- Young talents ready to perform fearlessly
Challenges:
- Inconsistent pace attack under pressure
- Limited exposure against top-tier international teams.
Cricket experts believe Hong Kong can be a dark horse in this tournament. If their top order clicks and bowlers execute plans, they have the potential to stun a bigger team early in the tournament and keep their Super Four hopes alive.
Read more: Hong Kong Cricket Schedule of Upcoming Matches
Conclusion
Hong Kong enters the Asia Cup 2025 with a balanced squad and renewed confidence under captain Yasim Murtaza. Their probable playing XI shows a good mix of experienced campaigners like Babar Hayat and Nizakat Khan along with young talent like Ayush Shukla and Kalhan Challu. With fearless cricket and smart strategies, Hong Kong might just pull off a few surprises and make this Asia Cup memorable for their fans.
