Afghanistan Crush Hong Kong in Asia Cup 2025 Opener
By Sports Desk | September 9, 2025
ABU DHABI: Afghanistan launched their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in style, registering a commanding 94-run victory over Hong Kong in the tournament opener at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Atal and Omarzai Shine with the Bat
After being asked to bat first, Afghanistan posted a challenging total of 188/6 in 20 overs.
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Sediqullah Atal anchored the innings with an unbeaten 73 off 52 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes.
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Azmatullah Omarzai provided fireworks down the order with a blistering 53 off just 21 balls, hitting two fours and five towering sixes.
The two shared a crucial 82-run stand for the fifth wicket, taking Afghanistan from a shaky start to a dominant finish.
Earlier, Mohammad Nabi (33 off 26) stabilized the innings after early wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8) and Ibrahim Zadran (1).
Hong Kong Collapse in Run Chase
Chasing 189, Hong Kong faltered from the start and could only manage 94/9 in their 20 overs.
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Babar Hayat fought a lone battle with a gritty 39 off 43 balls, while captain Yasim Murtaza contributed 16.
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No other batter reached double figures, as Afghanistan’s bowlers kept tight control.
For Afghanistan:
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Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed two wickets each.
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Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Omarzai chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Hong Kong’s bowlers, led by Kinchit Shah and Ayush Shukla (two wickets each), had earlier provided moments of resistance but couldn’t prevent Afghanistan’s strong finish.
A Statement Win for Afghanistan
Captain Rashid Khan’s decision to bat first proved decisive, as his side set a massive target and then backed it up with disciplined bowling.
With this emphatic win, Afghanistan have sent a strong message to rivals early in the tournament. The next match will see India face UAE in Dubai on Wednesday, adding more excitement to the Asia Cup group stage.
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