Afghanistan thrash Hong Kong by 94 runs in Asia Cup 2025 opener as Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai lead with brilliant fifties in Abu Dhabi

Clinical all-round performance helped Afghanistan to start their Asia Cup 2025 campaign dominantly, defeating Hong Kong by 94 runs in the tournament opener at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

After opting to bat first, Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai's half-centuries helped the Rashid Khan-led side to put a mammoth total of 188 for six. Atal anchored the innings with a well-paced 73 not out off 52 balls, while Omarzai provided the fireworks at the end with a blazing 53 off just 21 deliveries.

Afghanistan were off to a good start, but it was a 51-run stand between Atal and Mohammad Nabi (33 off 26 balls) for the third wicket that helped the side to shift the momentum of the game. Atal played the sheet anchor's role to perfection and Omarzai who walked in the latter stages, took the game away from Hong Kong’s bowlers, smashing three sixes and a four in a single over. His hard hitting helped Afghanistan add 55 runs in the final four overs, pushing the total well beyond the 180-mark.

ALSO READ: Big News: T20 World Cup 2026 dates revealed, India and Sri Lanka to host; Venue for final depends on Pakistan's qualification

ALSO READ: Big Update: Sri Lanka adds middle-order batter to Asia Cup 2025 squad before opener clash against Bangladesh

Hong Kong's Kinchit Shah (2/24) was the pick of the bowlers, using his skills to trouble the Afghan middle order. Ayush Shukla (2/54) grabbed a couple of wickets but was expensive, while Ateeq Iqbal and Ehsan Khan chipped in with one wicket each.

While chasing 189, Hong Kong were off to a bad start as their top order collapsed under pressure from Afghanistan’s pace attack, and the team was reduced to 43 for five inside 10 overs. Babar Hayat showed some resistance with a gritty 39 off 43 balls, but lacked support at the other end.

Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the spoils in a disciplined effort. Fazalhaq Farooqi was sharp up front, finishing with 2 for 16, while Gulbadin Naib made an impact with 2 for 8 in his two-over spell. Omarzai (1/4) and Noor Ahmad (1/16) also kept the pressure on as Hong Kong managed to score 94 for nine at the end of their 20 overs.

The tournament opener was a one-sided clash, but it had surely boosted the morale of Afghanistan, who are arguably the second-best cricket team of Asia after India. With this win, they not only bag two crucial points but also a healthy net run rate boost at the start of their Asia Cup journey.