Afghanistan triumphed over Hong Kong in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan’s performance was exceptional, while Hong Kong struggled, leading to a 94-run defeat.
Sediqullah Atal and Umarazi’s explosive batting performance.
Afghanistan chose to bat after winning the toss and built a big score. Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai’s half-century innings helped Afghanistan score 188 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs. Sediqullah Atal scored 73 runs off 52 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 140.38. Azmatullah Omarzai played a quick innings, scoring a half-century in 20 balls, and scored 53 runs with a strike rate of 252.38, including 2 fours and 5 sixes. Mohammad Nabi scored 33 runs.
Kinchit Shah of Hong Kong was the most successful bowler with 2 wickets for 24 runs in 3 overs. Ayush Shukla also took 2 wickets, conceding 54 runs in 4 overs. Ateeq Iqbal and Ehsan Khan each claimed 1 wicket.
Afghan bowlers also made a significant contribution.
Following their strong batting performance, the Afghan bowlers showed their skill. They removed 4 Hong Kong batsmen in the powerplay, putting pressure on the Hong Kong team. Hong Kong could not recover and scored 94 runs in 20 overs, losing 9 wickets. Babar Hayat scored 39 runs, while no other player crossed the 20-run mark. Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi took 2 wickets each for Afghanistan. Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmad each claimed 1 wicket.