Asia Cup 2025 live streaming: Afghanistan thrash Hong Kong in opener — how to watch and what’s next

Afghanistan stamp authority on opening night

A ruthless Afghanistan side launched the Asia Cup 2025 with a 94-run hammering of Hong Kong at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium, setting the early tone in Group B. The night fixture began at 8:00 PM IST, and by the time the lights settled, Afghanistan had banked a big net run-rate boost and a statement win.

Hong Kong arrived with intent and pockets of resistance, but the gulf in pace, skill, and depth told across 40 overs. Babar Hayat top-scored for Hong Kong with a fighting 39 off 43, launching three clean sixes to keep the chase flickering. His wicket, prised out by Gulbadin Naib, felt like a hinge moment; once it swung Afghanistan’s way, the chase never recovered. Rashid Khan, the world’s leading T20I wicket-taker with 170 scalps, added his trademark pressure in the middle overs and knocked over Aizaz Khan as the lower order ran out of answers.

The win reflected what Afghanistan have become in T20s: sharp with the new ball, suffocating through the middle, and disciplined at the death. Their fielding backed it up—clean takes, quick throws, no cheap runs. Hong Kong stayed game, took on the short boundaries when they could, and scrapped through partnerships, but the asking rate ballooned early and never came down.

Rashid’s team also had more on their mind than just cricket. On the eve of the tournament, the captain questioned the logistics, noting Afghanistan were based in Dubai but had to make a two-hour trip to Abu Dhabi for all three Group B games. He called it “not so ideal,” then shrugged and said once they step on the turf, the noise fades. Judging by the opener, he wasn’t bluffing.

There’s history in this region too. The last time the Asia Cup was staged in T20 format in the UAE, Sri Lanka lifted the trophy. This year, the cast is bigger: eight teams vying for one title, and more travel and scheduling layers to manage. Early wins matter not just for points, but for rhythm and confidence. Afghanistan checked both boxes.

• Date: September 9, 2025
• Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
• Group: B
• Result: Afghanistan beat Hong Kong by 94 runs
• Standout moments: Babar Hayat’s three sixes; Gulbadin Naib’s key strike; Rashid Khan’s control through the middle

For Hong Kong, the tape isn’t all grim. They showed intent against elite spin and didn’t shy from the big hit. But to trouble the top teams, they’ll need a cleaner powerplay with the bat and a tighter first 10 overs with the ball to prevent scores from getting out of hand. The gap is closing, not closed.

How to watch, key timings, and what’s next

If you’re searching for Asia Cup 2025 live streaming, here’s the simple version: in Pakistan, free streaming of the opener was available on Tamasha and Myco. In other countries, broadcast and digital coverage depends on local rights holders—check your regional TV network or official streaming platform. Expect geo-restrictions, and stick to legal options to avoid takedowns and lag.

Timings are friendly for prime-time viewers in South Asia and the Gulf. The opening game started at 8:00 PM IST, which is 7:30 PM in Pakistan and 6:30 PM in the UAE. Most evening matches are scheduled in a similar window, with occasional afternoon fixtures for double-headers. If you’re following from outside the region, convert from IST and plan for a late afternoon or morning stream depending on your time zone.

The tournament runs from September 9–28, bringing eight teams into a compact calendar. The format runs through a group stage and into the business end—knockout games that punish any slip. Group B features Afghanistan alongside Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. Afghanistan’s next assignments: Bangladesh on September 16 and Sri Lanka on September 18, both in the UAE, both carrying heavy stakes in a short tournament.

India arrive as defending world champions and the highest-ranked T20 side, making them the team to chase. The squad blends pace and flair—Jasprit Bumrah anchoring the attack, Shubman Gill primed for top-order runs, and Suryakumar Yadav wearing the armband with his 360-degree game. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh bring their own punch, and the hosts from the associate pool—Hong Kong, Oman, UAE—are looming as upset threats in a format that forgives no off day.

Scheduling will stay a talking point. Afghanistan’s repeated Dubai–Abu Dhabi commute adds wear that doesn’t show on the scorecard but can creep into legs late in the week. Coaches will juggle recovery windows, optional sessions, and the temptation to rotate in the middle of a tight group. A 94-run win buys breathing room; it doesn’t buy immunity.

What does the opener change? Net run rate, for one—Afghanistan have a cushion most teams would love to have after game one. It also sets a tone in Group B: if you’re chasing Afghanistan, your middle overs need a plan for Rashid and company, and your powerplay can’t be wasteful. For Hong Kong, the runway isn’t gone. A sharper start and a braver middle against spin can still flip a game in this format.

Keep an eye on two threads as the week unfolds. First, India’s early rhythm: do they walk in and boss the tempo, or does someone force a dogfight? Second, Sri Lanka’s title defense instincts: last time this tournament went T20 in the UAE, they navigated chaos better than anyone. Add in Pakistan’s pace battery and Bangladesh’s knack for sticky wins, and the middle of the table could get crowded fast.

The opener gave us what this tournament promises—quality under lights, a bit of friction off the field, and just enough unpredictability to keep every evening appointment. The cricket calendar is busy; this one earns your screen time.