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Hong Kong will take on Oman in the third match of the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games on Friday, September 25, at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM local time (5:30 AM IST). Importantly, the Asian Games men’s cricket competition is being played in the T20 format, so this fixture is a T20I rather than an ODI.
Hong Kong have been placed in Group B alongside Oman and Malaysia. The top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals, making every game particularly important. Hong Kong enter the tournament with a largely experienced squad featuring several players who have been regulars in international cricket.
The side is led by Yasim Murtaza, while experienced campaigners such as Babar Hayat, Anshuman Rath, Nizakat Khan and Ehsan Khan provide considerable international experience. Hong Kong also have exciting bowling options in Ayush Shukla and Mohammad Ghazanfar.
1. Yasim Murtaza (Captain)
Yasim Murtaza is expected to lead the side from the top of the order while also providing his all-round skills. The left-handed batter has been an important member of Hong Kong’s setup and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable T20 option. His leadership will also be crucial in managing the side’s experienced core.
2. Babar Hayat
Babar Hayat should occupy an important position in Hong Kong’s batting order. The experienced right-hander has been one of the team’s most dependable run-scorers in recent years. He was also Hong Kong’s leading run-scorer in the previous edition of the Asian Games, scoring 99 runs.
His ability to play aggressively without losing his shape makes him a key player in the powerplay and middle overs.
3. Anshuman Rath
Anshuman Rath is likely to partner Babar at the top or bat immediately around him. The left-handed batter offers a combination of experience and stroke-making ability. He was among Hong Kong’s notable performers in their recent meetings with Oman and has the technique to anchor an innings while still maintaining a healthy scoring rate.
4. Nizakat Khan
Nizakat Khan could be another important top-order option for Hong Kong. His experience in international cricket gives the batting unit additional stability. Nizakat can shift gears when required, making him useful during the transition from the powerplay to the middle overs.
Against an inexperienced Oman squad, Hong Kong may rely on Nizakat to build partnerships around their more aggressive batters.
5. Shahid Wasif (WK)
Shahid Wasif is expected to take the wicketkeeping gloves. His presence gives Hong Kong another attacking batting option in the middle order. Wasif recently demonstrated his ability to handle pressure with a useful unbeaten 30 against Japan, helping Hong Kong chase down a modest target after their top order had struggled.
His role could become particularly important if Hong Kong lose early wickets.
6. Aizaz Khan
Aizaz Khan is likely to provide balance as a bowling all-rounder. He can contribute valuable runs in the middle and lower order while also offering a seam-bowling option. His ability to contribute in multiple departments allows Hong Kong to maintain flexibility with their bowling combinations.
7. Ehsan Khan
Veteran spinner Ehsan Khan could be one of Hong Kong’s most important players against Oman. He is known for his control and ability to break partnerships through the middle overs. Cricket World also identified him as a key player for Hong Kong in the Asian Games, highlighting his experience and wicket-taking ability.
His variations could be particularly useful on a surface that offers assistance to slower bowlers.
8. Ayush Shukla
Ayush Shukla should lead the pace attack with the new ball. The young seamer has already established himself as an important part of Hong Kong’s T20 setup. He was also their leading wicket-taker in the 2022 Asian Games, claiming seven wickets.
His ability to attack the stumps and generate movement could make him a significant threat early in the innings.
9. Mohammad Ghazanfar
Mohammad Ghazanfar is another bowling option expected to feature in the XI. His inclusion would give Hong Kong additional variety in the attack. He can be used according to match-ups and could play an important role during the middle overs.
10. Anas Khan
Anas Khan is likely to complete Hong Kong’s bowling unit. He has been part of the team’s recent squads and offers another option for captain Yasim Murtaza when rotating his bowlers.
11. Hafeez Khan
Hafeez Khan could get the final spot in the XI, adding another bowling option to an otherwise well-balanced combination. His selection would allow Hong Kong to spread the workload across several bowlers rather than relying excessively on their senior options.
Predicted Playing XI of Hong Kong vs Oman
Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat, Anshuman Rath, Nizakat Khan, Shahid Wasif (wk), Aizaz Khan, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, Mohammad Ghazanfar, Anas Khan, Hafeez Khan
Note: This is a predicted XI based on the announced Asian Games squad and recent team combinations; the official XI will be confirmed at the toss.
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