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

Pakistan will begin their Asian Games 2026 campaign when they take on Hong Kong in the first quarter-final of the men’s cricket competition at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Monday, September 28. The contest is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM local time, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

Pakistan received direct entry into the quarter-final stage alongside India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, while Hong Kong qualified from Group B after finishing second behind Malaysia. Hong Kong won their match against Oman by 41 runs, while their other group fixture against Malaysia ended in defeat.

The Pakistan squad contains a mix of established T20 performers and promising young players. Sahibzada Farhan will captain the side, with Abdul Samad serving as vice-captain. Saim Ayub, Haider Ali, Usman Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr are among the players expected to play important roles.

Here is the predicted playing XI of Pakistan against Hong Kong:

1. Sahibzada Farhan (C)

Sahibzada Farhan is expected to open the innings and lead the side. The right-handed batter has extensive T20 experience and has scored more than 1,300 runs in 46 T20Is for Pakistan, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries.

His ability to attack during the powerplay while also playing the role of captain makes him one of Pakistan’s most important players. Farhan will look to provide an aggressive start and give his middle order a platform.

2. Saim Ayub

Saim Ayub is likely to partner Farhan at the top. His left-handed approach provides variation and allows Pakistan to maintain a left-right combination from the beginning.

Ayub can score rapidly against pace and spin and is also capable of contributing with the ball. His all-round abilities could give Pakistan additional flexibility during the knockout game.

3. Haider Ali

Haider Ali is expected to slot into the middle order at No. 3. The right-hander has significant experience in Pakistan’s T20 setup and brings an attacking approach to the batting unit.

His role could become particularly important if Pakistan lose an early wicket. Haider will be expected to maintain the scoring rate while building partnerships with the likes of Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz.

4. Abdul Samad (VC)

Abdul Samad should be one of Pakistan’s key middle-order batters. The vice-captain has already represented Pakistan at T20I level and is known for his power-hitting ability.

His finishing skills could prove valuable in the final overs. Pakistan will want Samad to take advantage of the shorter boundaries and provide acceleration after the platform has been established by the top order.

5. Hasan Nawaz

Hasan Nawaz is another player who could feature prominently in Pakistan’s middle order. He has been included in the Asian Games squad after making an impression in domestic and franchise T20 cricket.

His ability to rotate the strike and attack once set makes him a useful option between the powerplay and death overs.

6. Usman Khan (WK)

Usman Khan is expected to take responsibility behind the stumps while providing another aggressive batting option. The Pakistan squad lists him as the wicketkeeper-batter.

Usman’s experience in T20 cricket could be useful in a knockout game. His finishing ability also gives Pakistan another player capable of accelerating the innings late.

7. Arafat Minhas

Arafat Minhas could provide Pakistan with valuable balance as a batting all-rounder. The left-hander can contribute with both bat and ball, giving Farhan another option when managing the bowling attack.

His left-arm spin could also be useful against Hong Kong’s right-handed batters during the middle overs.

8. Mohammad Wasim Jr

Mohammad Wasim Jr is likely to lead Pakistan’s pace attack. He was added to the Asian Games squad after Salman Mirza was ruled out with a fractured left thumb.

Wasim’s ability to bowl with pace and attack the stumps makes him an important option, particularly during the powerplay and death overs.

9. Abrar Ahmed

Abrar Ahmed could be Pakistan’s specialist spin option. His variations can make him difficult to attack in T20 cricket, especially when batters attempt to accelerate during the middle overs.

Against Hong Kong’s experienced batting unit, Abrar will be expected to maintain pressure and look for wickets rather than simply contain runs.

10. Sufyan Moqim

Sufyan Moqim is another specialist bowling option who could feature in the XI. The left-arm spinner has gained considerable attention in T20 cricket and offers Pakistan a different angle alongside Abrar.

His ability to bowl economically while searching for wickets could be particularly valuable in the middle overs.

11. Ali Raza

Ali Raza could complete Pakistan’s playing XI as another pace option. The young seamer provides Farhan with an additional wicket-taking option and can be used according to match-ups.

Pakistan’s bowling combination would therefore have a mix of pace, left-arm spin and leg-spin variations.

Predicted Playing XI of Pakistan

Sahibzada Farhan ©, Saim Ayub, Haider Ali, Abdul Samad (VC), Hasan Nawaz, Usman Khan (WK), Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim, Ali Raza

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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