Group B of the Asian Games 2026 cricket tournament gets going with Hong Kong vs Malaysia, the 2nd match of the event. Two sides that came through the Asian Games qualifier now meet in Nisshin, and the winner takes a big step towards the knockouts. Here is what you need to know before the first ball.
HKC vs MLY Match Details
- Match: Hong Kong, China vs Malaysia, 2nd Match, Group B (Cricbuzz match page)
- Tournament: Asian Games 2026 (men’s cricket)
- Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM JST | 5:00 AM GMT | 10:30 AM IST
- Venue: Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, Japan. See the venue page on Cricbuzz.
Asian Games 2026 Group B: How the Table Works
Ten nations take part in the men’s event, and the six lowest-seeded teams were drawn into two groups of three, playing a single round-robin from September 24 to 26. Group B has Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman. The top two teams from each group reach the quarter-finals. You can read the full bracket on the tournament’s Wikipedia page. Wikipedia
Because each team plays only two group games, one defeat can leave a side needing help from the net run rate.
Why This Match Matters
The stakes go beyond the group. Pakistan will face the Group B runners-up in their quarter-final on September 28, while Bangladesh meet the Group B winners on September 29. So the finishing position matters as much as qualifying. A win in the opener puts either side in a strong position to chase the top spot. arynews
Hong Kong Squad for Asian Games 2026
Hong Kong are led by Yasim Murtaza, with Babar Hayat as vice-captain. The squad also includes Anas Khan, Anshy Rath, Shiv Mathur, Shahid Wasif, Hafeez Khan, Nasrulla Rana, Nizakat Khan, Rajab Hussain, Ehsan Khan, Mohammad Ghazanfar, Mohammad Waheed, Ayush Shukla and Mohammad Hassan Khan.
This group has plenty of big-tournament experience. Hong Kong won the 2022 Asia Cup Qualifier to book a place at that year’s Asia Cup, and several of that era’s players are still around.
Malaysia Squad for Asian Games 2026
Malaysia’s final squad had not been published when this preview was written. The side that came through the Singapore qualifier was led by Syed Aziz and included Muhammad Haziq Aiman, Muhammad Akram, Adeshlie Alias, Azri Azhar, Amir Khan, Aslam Khan, Rahim Khan, Sharvin Muniandy, Pavandeep Singh, Virandeep Singh, Muhamad Syahadat and Vijay Unni.
Malaysia arrive with momentum. They won the men’s T20 title at the 2025 SEA Games, their first, with Haziq Aiman topping the run charts and Syed Aziz sharing the lead in wickets. Wikipedia
Key Battles to Watch
- Hong Kong’s experienced top order vs Malaysia’s new-ball bowlers: The powerplay could decide who controls the game.
- Malaysia’s batters vs Hong Kong’s spin options: Slower bowlers can be effective in the middle overs of a T20.
- Fielding and running between the wickets: In a match between two evenly placed sides, sharp fielding often separates the winner from the loser.
HKC vs MLY Live Streaming and TV Channel in India
- Live streaming: SonyLIV
- TV broadcast: Sony Sports Network
The match starts at 10:30 AM IST, a convenient time for viewers in India. For more previews and cricket updates, visit the TodayMatches blog.
HKC vs MLY Asian Games 2026: FAQs
10:30 AM IST on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
On SonyLIV (streaming) and Sony Sports Network (TV).
Yasim Murtaza.
Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman.
Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
The top two.
Final Thoughts: HKC vs MLY Asian Games 2026
Hong Kong vs Malaysia is a contest between two evenly placed teams, and the result could shape Group B from the very first day. Hong Kong bring experience from Asia Cup cricket, while Malaysia bring the confidence of a recent SEA Games title. In T20 cricket, one big over or one good spell can turn the game, so expect a tight match.
Set your alarm for 10:30 AM IST and follow the action on SonyLIV or Sony Sports Network. For more today match prediction and cricket insights, keep following TodayMatches for every update from Asian Games 2026 cricket.
