Afghanistan launched their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 94-run victory over Hong Kong on 9 september in Abu Dhabi. The win was built on a solid batting display led by Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai, before the bowlers dismantled Hong Kong’s reply.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8) and Ibrahim Zadran (1) early, slipping to 26/2 inside the powerplay. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi added stability with 33 from 26 balls, while Gulbadin Naib managed just five.
The innings belonged to opener Sediqullah Atal, who anchored with an unbeaten 73 off 52 balls, striking six fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 140.38. He found explosive support from Azmatullah Omarzai, who smashed 53 from only 21 deliveries, clearing the ropes five times. Their partnership helped Afghanistan add 78 runs in the final five overs, lifting them to 188/6.
For Hong Kong, Ayush Shukla (2/54) and Kinchit Shah (2 wickets) provided breakthroughs, while Ehsan Khan and Ateeq Iqbal picked up one apiece.
Hong Kong’s response never gained momentum. Anshuman Rath departed for a golden duck in the opening over, and the side soon collapsed to 23/4 by the end of the powerplay. Captain Yasim Murtaza (0) failed to provide resistance, while Kinchit Shah (6) and Nizakat Khan (0) also fell cheaply.
Babar Hayat fought a lone battle, striking three sixes in his 39 from 43 balls, but his dismissal ended Hong Kong’s faint hopes. The innings closed on 94/9 after 20 overs, with Afghanistan’s bowlers dominating throughout. Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Omarzai and Rashid Khan all made contributions, backed by sharp fielding that produced two run outs.
