Afghanistan started their Asia Cup 2025 marketing campaign on a dominant observe as they hammered Hong Kong by 94 runs of their Group B fixture on the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday. Using on blistering knocks from Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai, the Afghans arrange a commanding whole earlier than their bowlers dismantled Hong Kong’s batting order with precision.
Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai energy Afghanistan to a commanding whole
After successful the toss and opting to bat, Afghanistan acquired off to a shaky begin with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8) and Ibrahim Zadran (1) departing early. Nevertheless, opener Sediqullah Atal anchored the innings with a composed 73 off 52 deliveries, placing six boundaries and three sixes. His calculated method ensured that Afghanistan had stability whilst wickets fell on the different finish.
The true momentum shift got here when Azmatullah Omarzai walked in. The all-rounder performed a panoramic knock of 53 off simply 21 balls, laced with two fours and 5 towering sixes. His late onslaught took Afghanistan’s whole properly past par. Veteran Mohammad Nabi additionally chipped in with a vital 33 off 26, guiding the aspect to a aggressive 188/6 of their 20 overs.
On the bowling entrance for Hong Kong, Kinchit Shah (2/24) and Ayush Shukla (2/54) have been among the many wickets, although they struggled to comprise the Afghan batters within the loss of life overs. Ehsan Khan bowled economically, conceding simply 28 runs in his spell of 4 overs whereas choosing up a wicket.
Hong Kong’s batting collapse
Chasing 189 for victory, Hong Kong by no means seemed in command of the sport. They suffered an early setback as skipper Anshuman Rath was dismissed for a golden duck, adopted instantly by the run-out of Nizakat Khan with out going through a ball. The highest order collapsed beneath stress, and solely Babar Hayat confirmed some resistance with a combating 39 off 43 deliveries, which included three sixes however no boundaries.
Yasim Murtaza tried to construct partnerships with a gritty 16 off 26, however the lack of assist from the opposite finish made the chase unrealistic. Not one of the Hong Kong batters managed to cross 20 runs aside from Hayat and Murtaza, as they limped to 94/9 of their allotted 20 overs.
Additionally WATCH: Asia Cup 2025 – Anshuman Rath falls to Fazalhaq Farooqi after brain fade moment in AFG vs HK clash
Afghan bowlers seal the deal
Afghanistan’s bowling unit was medical in execution. Fazalhaq Farooqi led the cost with figures of two/16 from his three overs, whereas Gulbadin Naib matched his depth with 2/8 in a miserly spell. Omarzai contributed with the ball too, choosing up a wicket for simply 4 runs in two overs.
Spin duo Rashid Khan (1/24) and Noor Ahmad (1/16) ensured there was no escape route for Hong Kong within the center overs, strangling their scoring alternatives. The Afghan bowlers collectively showcased depth and selection, proving too good for Hong Kong’s inexperienced batting order.
Afghanistan register a dominating win over Hong Kong 🔥💪#AFGvHK #AsiaCup
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/FzyGiU6dCj pic.twitter.com/lmO4KMtJpR— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 9, 2025
Additionally WATCH: Rahmanullah Gurbaz falls to Ayush Shukla right after hitting him for a huge six
