Afghanistan launched their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in style with a crushing 94-run victory over Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Powered by Azmatullah Omarzai’s whirlwind half-century and Sediqullah Atal’s composed 73, Rashid Khan’s men posted 188/6 before bowling out their opponents for 94/9.
It was the third-biggest win by run margin in the history of the tournament’s T20 format.
Atal Steadies, Omarzai Explodes
Opting to bat, Afghanistan lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran cheaply, but Atal held firm. He struck six fours and three sixes in his 52-ball 73, building a 51-run stand with Mohammad Nabi (33) that stabilised the innings.
The late surge came courtesy of Omarzai, who smashed the fastest fifty of the competition off just 21 balls. His carnage included three successive sixes and a four in the 19th over, before falling for 53.
It’s all about belief. The captain and coach have trust in me. I just wanted to bat till the 16th over and then go for boundaries. When I bowl, I feel like a proper bowler; when I bat, I feel like a proper batter — it’s 50-50.
Hong Kong’s fielding lapses proved costly as they dropped multiple chances. Spinner Kinchit Shah, however, impressed with figures of 2-24.
Farooqi and Naib Dismantle Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s chase unravelled almost immediately. Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Anshy Rath for a duck in the second ball of the innings, and by the end of the powerplay they were reeling at 23/4.
Only Babar Hayat offered resistance, striking 39 with three boundaries before falling to Gulbadin Naib. The rest of the batting faltered against Afghanistan’s varied attack, with Farooqi (2-16), Naib (2-8) and spinners Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Omarzai sharing the spoils.
Captain Rashid Khan praised his side’s all-round show but called for improvement at the top of the order.
In the last series as well, losing early wickets was key for us and we have to look into it. Overall, it was a great performance. That middle order coming good, especially Azmatullah, was something I wanted to see.
Learning Curve for Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, the gulf in quality was evident, though captain Yasim Murtaza insisted there were positives.
Feels like a dream come true to play Afghanistan in the Asia Cup. At one stage, I thought they’d only get 150, but credit to Omarzai, he changed the game. Babar batted well, and our spinners too. Once we go back, we’ll have something to work on.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan 188/6 in 20 overs (Sediqullah Atal 73*, Azmatullah Omarzai 53, Mohammad Nabi 33; Kinchit Shah 2-24) Hong Kong 94/9 in 20 overs (Babar Hayat 39; Gulbadin Naib 2-8, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2-16). Result: Afghanistan won by 94 runs
