ABU DHABI: Afghanistan made a commanding start to their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a thumping 94-run victory over Hong Kong in the tournament opener at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Half-centuries from opener Sediqullah Atal and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai powered Afghanistan to a strong total of 188/6, before their bowlers combined to restrict Hong Kong to 94/9 in 20 overs.
Batting first, Afghanistan endured a shaky start, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8) and Ibrahim Zadran (1) early with only 26 runs on the board.
Veteran Mohammad Nabi steadied the innings with a brisk 33 off 26 balls, adding 51 runs for the third wicket with Atal.
Atal anchored the innings and went on to carry his bat, finishing unbeaten on 73 off 52 deliveries, hitting six fours and three sixes.
Omarzai provided the late fireworks, blasting 53 off just 21 balls with five sixes and two fours. Their 82-run stand for the fifth wicket ensured Afghanistan set a daunting target of 189.
For Hong Kong, Kinchit Shah and Ayush Shukla picked up two wickets apiece, while Ateeq Iqbal and Ehsan Khan chipped in with one each.
In reply, Hong Kong’s batting collapsed under disciplined Afghan bowling.
Babar Hayat offered some resistance with 39 from 43 deliveries, but found little support as only captain Yasim Murtaza (16) reached double figures.
Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi led the attack with two wickets each, while Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Omarzai claimed one each to ensure a clinical finish.
The convincing win gave Afghanistan the perfect start to their Asia Cup campaign, showcasing strength in both batting and bowling departments.
Afghanistan Playing XI
Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Hong Kong Playing XI
Anshy Rath, Zeeshan Ali, Babar Hayat, Kalhan Challu, Nizakat Khan, Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan
