Knockout Stage Launches in Aichi: The Men's Cricket Tournament at the 2026 Asian Games kicks off its knockout phase at Kōrogi Sports Park in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, as seeded heavyweights Pakistan battle group-stage qualifiers Hong Kong China in the 1st Quarter-Final on Monday, September 28, 2026! Fresh off Hong Kong's impressive Group B campaign that secured their spot in the final eight, both sides compete for a place in Wednesday's semi-finals. Stream every powerplay boundary, key wicket, and live scorecard directly on [[/channel/willow-sports-live-cricket-tv/:Willow by Cricbuzz]] via TrillerTV. High-Stakes Knockout Opener in Japan The 1st Quarter-Final opens the men's medal elimination stage at Kōrogi Sports Park, where the winner moves directly into the semi-final round while the loser exits the tournament. For Pakistan (Pakistan Shaheens), captained by all-rounder Qasim Akram, launching their campaign with sharp top-order execution and disciplined spin bowling are top priorities. Entering as one of the four seeded direct quarter-finalists alongside India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, Pakistan bring high-caliber talent. Powered by dynamic match-winners-including Omair Bin Yousuf, Haider Ali, Rohail Nazir, Arafat Minhas, Sufiyan Muqeem, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Arshad Iqbal-Pakistan aim to assert control early in morning conditions. For Hong Kong China, skippered by left-arm spinning all-rounder Yasim Murtaza, countering Pakistan's raw pace and establishing strong middle-overs partnerships are essential. Having successfully navigated Group B against Malaysia and Oman, Hong Kong bring vital match sharpness into the knockout stage. Driven by core contributors-including Babar Hayat, Anshuman Rath, Nizakat Khan, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, and Nasrulla Rana-Hong Kong look to stage a massive knockout upset on the continental stage. Squads & Key Players Pakistan Squad Core Lineup / Key Performers: Qasim Akram (C), Omair Bin Yousuf, Haider Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Arafat Minhas, Sufiyan Muqeem, Shahnawaz Dahani, Arshad Iqbal, Muhammad Akhlaq, Mirza Tahir Baig, Mubasir Khan, Mehran Mumtaz Tactical Focus: Aggressive front-foot strokeplay through Omair Bin Yousuf and Haider Ali, middle-overs wrist-spin controls via Sufiyan Muqeem, and express new-ball pace from Shahnawaz Dahani. Hong Kong China Squad Core Lineup / Key Performers: Yasim Murtaza (C), Babar Hayat, Anshuman Rath, Nizakat Khan, Ehsan Khan, Anas Khan, Shahid Wasif (wk), Hassan Khan Mohammad, Nasrulla Rana, Mohammad Ghazanfar, Ayush Shukla, Mohammad Waheed Tactical Focus: Top-order power-hitting led by Babar Hayat and Anshuman Rath, middle-overs finger-spin squeezes from Ehsan Khan and Yasim Murtaza, and pace variations via Ayush Shukla. Pitch & Weather: Kōrogi Sports Park in Aichi features a true drop-in pitch offering good carry and bounce during the morning session. Spinners will extract subtle grip as the deck settles. Clear, pleasant morning weather around 21°C expected throughout the contest.