Afghanistan got off to a flying start in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 with a commanding 94-run victory over Hong Kong in the tournament’s opening clash at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. A pair of half-centuries from Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai, combined with a disciplined bowling effort, ensured Afghanistan’s dominance throughout the contest.
Put in to bat first after captain Rashid Khan won the toss, Afghanistan posted an imposing total of 188/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings, however, began shakily as they lost both openers early — Rahmanullah Gurbaz for eight and Ibrahim Zadran for just one — leaving them reeling at 26/2 within three overs.
The recovery came through the experienced Mohammad Nabi and Atal, who steadied the innings with a valuable 51-run stand for the third wicket. Nabi took the attacking role, scoring 33 off 26 balls, striking three boundaries and a six before falling to Kinchit Shah at the start of the 11th over.
Atal, anchoring the innings, soon found another partner in Gulbadin Naib, but Shah struck again to dismiss Naib cheaply for five, leaving Afghanistan at 95/4 in the 13th over. Just as Hong Kong sensed an opportunity to restrict the scoring, Omarzai stepped in and turned the momentum decisively in Afghanistan’s favor.
The all-rounder launched a blistering counterattack, smashing a 21-ball 53 filled with power-hitting that included two fours and five sixes. Together with Atal, he stitched an 82-run partnership for the fifth wicket that propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total. Omarzai eventually fell to Ayush Shukla in the penultimate over, but by then, the damage was done. Atal remained unbeaten, showcasing his composure with a classy 73 off 52 deliveries, decorated with six fours and three sixes.
For Hong Kong, Shah and Shukla were the most successful bowlers, claiming two wickets apiece, while Ateeq Iqbal and Ehsan Khan managed one each.
Chasing 189, Hong Kong never looked comfortable against Afghanistan’s sharp bowling attack. Despite opener Babar Hayat’s resistance with a gritty 39 off 43 balls, no other batter could provide significant support. Skipper Yasim Murtaza’s 16 was the only other score in double digits, highlighting the team’s struggles.
Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi picking up two wickets each, while Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Omarzai chipped in with one apiece. Hong Kong limped to 94/9 at the end of their 20 overs, handing Afghanistan a thumping 94-run victory.
With this win, Afghanistan announced themselves as serious contenders, combining batting flair with bowling discipline in a comprehensive performance.
