Predicted Playing XI of Hong Kong in Quarter Final 1 of Asian Games 2026 against Pakistan

Hong Kong will face Pakistan in the first quarter-final of the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026 on Monday, September 28, at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM local time, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals.

Hong Kong booked their place in the knockout stage after finishing second in Group B. They began their campaign with an eight-wicket defeat against Malaysia but bounced back impressively against Oman, securing a 41-run victory. Their qualification was confirmed after Malaysia’s match against Oman was washed out, leaving Hong Kong to progress as the group runners-up.

The challenge now becomes significantly tougher, with Pakistan waiting in the quarter-finals. Pakistan have named a strong squad featuring Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Haider Ali, Abdul Samad and several quality bowling options.

Hong Kong are likely to retain the combination that delivered against Oman, with Ayush Shukla and Mohammad Ghazanfar expected to lead the bowling attack.

1. Nizakat Khan

Nizakat Khan is likely to continue at the top of the order. The experienced batter has been used as an opener during Hong Kong’s campaign and provides an aggressive option in the powerplay.

He scored 19 off 14 balls against Malaysia before being dismissed by Pavandeep Singh, while he made five against Oman. Although his tournament returns have been modest, his experience will be particularly valuable against Pakistan’s pace attack.

Nizakat’s ability to take calculated risks in the first six overs could be important because Hong Kong cannot afford to allow Pakistan’s bowlers to settle into their lengths.

2. Anshuman Rath

Anshuman Rath is expected to open alongside Nizakat. The left-handed batter has featured at the top of Hong Kong’s order in both group-stage matches.

Rath endured early dismissals against Malaysia and Oman, but his experience in international cricket makes him a logical choice for the quarter-final. His ability to rotate the strike and provide a left-right combination with Nizakat could help Hong Kong negotiate the opening overs.

3. Babar Hayat

Babar Hayat should retain his place at No. 3 and will be one of Hong Kong’s most important batters against Pakistan.

He scored 23 off 25 balls against Oman and was involved in a 51-run partnership with Hafeez Khan. The experienced batter’s ability to build an innings while accelerating against spin could be crucial if Hong Kong lose an early wicket.

Against Pakistan’s varied attack, Hayat will need to play a responsible role while still keeping the scoreboard moving.

4. Hafeez Khan

Hafeez Khan is likely to continue as an important middle-order option. He top-scored for Hong Kong with 33 against Oman, helping his side recover after a difficult start.

His ability to contribute with the bat and provide an additional bowling option gives Hong Kong useful balance. Against Pakistan, he could be required to play the role of a middle-overs stabiliser before accelerating towards the end.

5. Shiv Mathur

Shiv Mathur should retain his place in the middle order. He featured in both group-stage matches and can provide Hong Kong with another attacking option.

Mathur’s role could become especially important if Pakistan’s bowlers make early inroads. Rather than simply trying to rebuild, Hong Kong will need their middle order to maintain a healthy scoring rate in the T20 format.

6. Shahid Wasif (WK)

Shahid Wasif is expected to continue as the wicketkeeper-batter. He featured in both matches during the group stage and offers another right-handed option in Hong Kong’s middle order.

His wicketkeeping could also become crucial against Pakistan’s aggressive batting lineup, where sharp work behind the stumps could create important opportunities.

7. Yasim Murtaza (C)

Captain Yasim Murtaza is likely to occupy the No. 7 position while also playing a major role with the ball.

Murtaza produced an economical spell against Malaysia, bowling four overs for just 14 runs. He also bowled four overs against Oman, conceding only nine runs.

His left-arm spin could be particularly useful against Pakistan’s right-handed batters. As captain, Murtaza will also have to make quick decisions about match-ups and bowling changes.

8. Nasrulla Rana

Nasrulla Rana should retain his place as a bowling all-rounder. He was one of Hong Kong’s key performers against Malaysia, taking two wickets, and followed that with another wicket against Oman.

His ability to contribute in different phases makes him an important part of Hong Kong’s balance.

9. Ehsan Khan

Veteran spinner Ehsan Khan is another likely starter. He bowled four overs in the victory over Oman and has considerable experience of handling pressure in T20 cricket.

Hong Kong could use him during the middle overs to slow Pakistan’s scoring rate and create pressure on their attacking batters.

10. Ayush Shukla

Ayush Shukla should retain his place after producing Hong Kong’s standout bowling performance against Oman. The right-arm seamer claimed 3/23 from four overs as Hong Kong successfully defended 121.

His ability to strike early could be vital against Pakistan’s dangerous top order.

11. Mohammad Ghazanfar

Mohammad Ghazanfar completes the predicted XI. The spinner was excellent against Oman, taking 2/10 from four overs.

His variations could provide Hong Kong with another method of restricting Pakistan during the middle overs.

Predicted Playing XI of Hong Kong

Nizakat Khan, Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Hafeez Khan, Shiv Mathur, Shahid Wasif (WK), Yasim Murtaza ©, Nasrulla Rana, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, Mohammad Ghazanfar,

Note: The final playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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