Asia Cup 2025: Yasim Murtaza Leads Hong Kong’s Push for a Historic Breakthrough

Asia Cup 2025: Yasim Murtaza Leads Hong Kong’s Push for a Historic Breakthrough

Hong Kong are gearing up for yet another shot at Asia Cup glory, albeit with more realistic ambitions — to cause an upset or two, and perhaps, for the first time, advance past the group stage. With Yasim Murtaza taking over the captaincy from Nizakat Khan, and Kaushal Silva stepping in as head coach, the side enters the 2025 edition with renewed leadership and quiet optimism.

Hong Kong confirmed their Asia Cup spot over a year ago after defeating Nepal in the third-place playoff of the 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup. Since then, while the leadership has shifted, the core of the squad remains largely unchanged — a blend of familiar faces and emerging young talent.

Settled Squad, Big Challenges

Anshuman Rath remains pivotal at the top of the order, boasting a strong average of 50.22 in nine T20Is this year. Babar Hayat, the only player apart from Virat Kohli to score a century in an Asia Cup T20, adds valuable experience to a middle order that also includes Nizakat Khan and captain Murtaza.

In the bowling department, Ayush Shukla, 22, continues to impress with his pace, while Ehsan Khan has been reliable with his off-spin. The team has stayed active, playing 20 T20Is since their qualification and winning half of them, a run that speaks to their consistency.

However, recent form has been shaky. In July’s Asia Pacific Cricket Champions Trophy, they fell short against Malaysia, losing three times, including the final. Yet, expectations are measured for the Asia Cup. Success here isn’t necessarily defined by lifting silverware, but by delivering a statement win — or progressing past the group stage for the first time in history.

Squad Overview

Full Squad: Babar Hayat, Martin Coetzee, Kalhan Challu, Anas Khan, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (c), Nizakat Khan, Aizaz Khan, Anshuman Rath, Zeeshan Ali, Shahid Wasif, Nasrulla Rana, Ayush Shukla, Mohammad Wahed, Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan, Adil Mehmood, Haroon Arshad, Ali Hassan, Mohammed Ghazanfar

Probable XI:
Zeeshan Ali (wk), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza (c), Kalhan Challu, Nasrulla Rana, Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, Mohammad Ghazanfar / Ali Hassan

Key Player to Watch

Yasim Murtaza — The new skipper brings value with both bat and ball. His left-arm spin and middle-order stability will be essential on the slow pitches in the UAE. With the pressure of leadership and the responsibility of being a key all-rounder, Murtaza’s impact could define Hong Kong’s tournament.

Group Stage Fixtures (Asia Cup 2025)

  • September 9 – vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi

  • September 11 – vs Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi

  • September 15 – vs Sri Lanka, Dubai

Match to Watch: vs Bangladesh

The only previous meeting between these two sides in a T20I came during the 2014 T20 World Cup, where Hong Kong pulled off a stunning upset. Bangladesh will be desperate to set the record straight, but Hong Kong will look to relive that magic.

Potential for a Giant-Killing

Sri Lanka, despite being defending Asia Cup champions, have struggled in the T20 format lately. With a win rate of just 41.18% since the 2024 T20 World Cup, and a recent collapse against Zimbabwe (bowled out for 80 in the second T20I), they appear vulnerable. If Hong Kong are to take down a Full Member, Sri Lanka look the most likely target.

Hong Kong’s past Asia Cup campaigns have all ended in the group stage, but 2025 presents an opportunity to write a new chapter. A single scalp against a top-tier side could be transformative, not just for their tournament hopes, but for cricket in the region.

If Yasim Murtaza’s men play to their potential, this might just be the edition where Hong Kong finally makes its mark.