Asia Cup 2025: Afghanistan defeat Hong Kong by 94 runs 

Abu Dhabi (Web Desk): Afghanistan launched their ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 journey with a resounding win, brushing aside Hong Kong by 94 runs in the curtain-raiser at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Set a daunting target of 189, Hong Kong never found rhythm in their chase and stumbled to 94 for nine from their full quota of overs.

Babar Hayat tried to hold the innings together with a watchful 39 off 43 balls, while captain Yasim Murtaza added 16 from 26 deliveries, but no other batter could make a meaningful contribution.

Afghanistan’s bowling was a collective effort, with Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi striking twice each, and Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Azmatullah Omarzai taking a wicket apiece.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted 188 for six after enduring an early wobble. The innings began with setbacks as Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed only eight and Ibrahim Zadran fell for one, leaving the score at 26 for two inside three overs.

The recovery came through a steady third-wicket stand of 51 between Sediqullah Atal and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi.

Nabi played the dominant role with 33 off 26 balls, decorated with three boundaries and a six, before he was removed by Kinchit Shah at the start of the 11th over.

Atal then found brief support from Gulbadin Naib, who scored five in their 18-run stand, but Shah struck again to leave Afghanistan 95 for four after 13 overs.

From there, Omarzai seized control with a blistering knock that completely tilted momentum. Batting at number six, he blasted 53 from just 21 deliveries, hammering five sixes and two fours during an 82-run partnership with Atal for the fifth wicket.

His fireworks ended when Ayush Shukla dismissed him late in the 19th over, but the damage was already done. Atal, anchoring the innings from the top, carried his bat through to the finish with an unbeaten 73 from 52 balls, laced with six fours and three sixes.

For Hong Kong, Shukla and Shah bagged two wickets apiece, while Ateeq Iqbal and Ehsan Khan chipped in with one each.