The Afghan squad commenced their Asia Cup 2025 journey impressively, overwhelming Hong Kong by a margin of 94 runs in their Group B encounter held at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium this past Tuesday. With remarkable batting displays from Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai, the Afghan team posted a formidable score, followed by a disciplined bowling performance that dismantled the Hong Kong batting lineup.
Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai propel Afghanistan to a substantial score
After winning the coin toss and choosing to bat first, Afghanistan faced an unsteady beginning as Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8) and Ibrahim Zadran (1) were dismissed early. Nevertheless, opener Sediqullah Atal provided stability with a well-composed 73 from 52 balls, including six fours and three sixes. His measured innings ensured Afghanistan maintained a solid foundation, even as wickets tumbled at the other end.
The real shift in momentum occurred with the arrival of Azmatullah Omarzai. The versatile all-rounder delivered a stunning performance, scoring 53 runs off just 21 deliveries, highlighted by two boundaries and five towering sixes. His aggressive hitting in the latter overs propelled Afghanistan to a total well above expectations. Seasoned player Mohammad Nabi also contributed with a vital 33 off 26 balls, guiding the team to a competitive 188/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
In terms of Hong Kong’s bowling efforts, Kinchit Shah (2/24) and Ayush Shukla (2/54) were among the wicket-takers, although they found it challenging to contain the Afghan batsmen during the final overs. Ehsan Khan bowled economically, conceding only 28 runs in his four-over spell while securing a wicket.
Hong Kong’s batting order crumbles
In pursuit of 189 runs for victory, Hong Kong never seemed to establish control over the match. They experienced an early setback when captain Anshuman Rath was dismissed for a first-ball duck, quickly followed by Nizakat Khan being run out without facing a delivery. The top order faltered under pressure, with only Babar Hayat displaying some resilience with a hard-fought 39 off 43 balls, including three sixes but lacking boundaries.
Yasim Murtaza attempted to build partnerships with a determined 16 off 26 balls, but the absence of support from the other batsmen rendered the chase unfeasible. Apart from Hayat and Murtaza, none of the Hong Kong batters managed to surpass 20 runs, as they struggled to 94/9 in their 20 overs.
Also WATCH: Asia Cup 2025 – Anshuman Rath falls to Fazalhaq Farooqi after brain fade moment in AFG vs HK clash
Afghan bowlers secure the victory
Afghanistan’s bowling attack demonstrated precision and effectiveness. Fazalhaq Farooqi spearheaded the effort with figures of 2/16 from his three overs, while Gulbadin Naib matched his intensity with 2/8 in a thrifty spell. Omarzai also made a contribution with the ball, claiming a wicket while conceding only four runs in his two overs.
The spin duo of Rashid Khan (1/24) and Noor Ahmad (1/16) ensured that Hong Kong had no avenue for escape during the middle overs, stifling their scoring opportunities. Collectively, the Afghan bowlers showcased depth and variety, proving too formidable for Hong Kong’s inexperienced batting lineup.
Afghanistan register a dominating win over Hong Kong 🔥💪#AFGvHK #AsiaCup
Scorecard 👉 pic.twitter.com/lmO4KMtJpR— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 9, 2025
Also WATCH: Rahmanullah Gurbaz falls to Ayush Shukla right after hitting him for a huge six
