Afghanistan began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Hong Kong by 94 runs in the tournament opener at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. A dominant batting display led by Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai set up the massive win, while Afghanistan’s bowlers dismantled Hong Kong’s batting order with clinical precision.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a commanding total of 188/6 in 20 overs. Young opener Sediqullah Atal played a match-winning knock of 73 not out off 52 balls, anchoring the innings with composure and power. He found perfect support from Azmatullah Omarzai, who smashed a blistering 53 off just 21 balls, including a flurry of sixes that pushed Afghanistan’s total well beyond the 180-run mark. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi chipped in with 33 off 26 deliveries, ensuring Afghanistan maintained momentum throughout.
For Hong Kong, bowlers struggled under relentless pressure. Kinchit Shah (2/24) was the standout, keeping things tight in the middle overs, while Ayush Shukla (2/54) and Ehsan Khan (1/28) picked up crucial wickets but leaked runs as Afghanistan’s power-hitters dominated.
Chasing 189, Hong Kong faltered early and never recovered. Their innings collapsed to 94/9 in 20 overs, with only skipper Babar Hayat showing resistance through a gritty 39 off 43 balls. Yasim Murtaza (16) offered brief support, but the rest of the batting order crumbled against Afghanistan’s fiery bowling attack.
Afghanistan’s bowlers were relentless from the start. Gulbadin Naib (2/8 in 3 overs) delivered a miserly spell, while Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/16) rattled Hong Kong’s top order. Omarzai followed up his batting heroics with the ball, taking 1/4 in 2 overs, sealing a perfect all-round performance.
The convincing win not only gave Afghanistan a dream start but also sent a strong message to the rest of the teams in the Asia Cup. With a balanced side of explosive batters and disciplined bowlers, Afghanistan look ready to challenge the tournament heavyweights.
