Afghanistan dominate Hong Kong in Asia Cup 2025 opener
The Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 opener ended in a one-sided contest as Afghanistan secured a 94-run victory in Abu Dhabi. Sediqullah Atal scored an unbeaten 73, while Azmatullah Omarzai blasted a quickfire 53, guiding Afghanistan to 188 for 6. In reply, Hong Kong were restricted to just 94 for 9, with nine batters finishing in single digits.
Atal anchors as Omarzai explodes late
Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by Sediqullah Atal, who survived three dropped chances before converting his start into a match-winning 73 not out off 52 deliveries. His patient yet controlled knock kept the innings stable after early wickets. The turning point came when Azmatullah Omarzai entered in the 17th over and launched a furious assault. He smashed the fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan, reaching the landmark in only 20 balls with sixes and boundaries across the ground. The pair ensured Afghanistan crossed 180 despite Hong Kong’s disciplined spin spell in the middle overs.
Azmatullah Omarzai 💥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) September 9, 2025
Blasts 53 runs in just 21 balls against Hong Kong in the *Asia Cup 2025* opener! 🔥
📸 Getty #AzmatullahOmarzai #AsiaCup2025 #AfghanistanCricket #CricketHighlights #Getty #PowerHitting pic.twitter.com/xPaDtEMjKC
Afghanistan bowlers dominate Hong Kong
Chasing 189 in the Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 clash, Hong Kong collapsed under pressure. Rashid Khan’s sharp fielding and Naveen-ul-Haq’s discipline set the tone early. Fazalhaq Farooqi struck twice with the new ball, while Gulbadin Naib added two wickets during the middle overs. The poor running between wickets and reckless dismissals highlighted Hong Kong’s inexperience. Only Babar Hayat showed some resistance with 39, but no other batter crossed double figures as the team limped to 94 for 9.
Hong Kong punished for errors
Dropped catches and poor reviews further dented Hong Kong’s chances. An unnecessary run-out of captain Nizakat Khan and a controversial dismissal of Anshuman Rath added to their struggles. With four wickets lost inside the powerplay, the chase was derailed beyond repair. Their batting effort lacked intent, and they finished with one of the lowest totals in Asia Cup history.
Afghanistan start the Asia Cup 2025 in style with a dominant 94-run win over Hong Kong! 🔥💥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) September 9, 2025
Strong statement in the opener! 🇦🇫✅
📸 Getty #AsiaCup2025 #AfghanistanCricket #Victory #CricketHighlights #GulbadinNaib #Omarzai #AediqullahAtal pic.twitter.com/uaFjLCF7Pq
Afghanistan start Asia Cup 2025 with statement win
The Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 result showcased Afghanistan’s all-round dominance. Atal’s steady knock, Omarzai’s explosive hitting, and disciplined bowling combined to dismantle Hong Kong. The emphatic win handed Afghanistan a perfect start in their Asia Cup campaign and highlighted their growing strength as a balanced T20 side.
