Web desk: Afghanistan defeated Hong Kong in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2025.
Half-centuries from Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai, combined with a strong team bowling performance, helped Afghanistan secure a comprehensive 94-run win over Hong Kong in the opening match of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Afghanistan beat Hong Kong in Asia Cup 2025 opener
Afghanistan set a target of 189 in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2025. Hong Kong finished their chase at 94 runs, falling short of reaching the target against Afghanistan.
With this result, Afghanistan claimed victory in the first match of the tournament. Hong Kong struggled in their chase of 189, managing only 94/9 in 20 overs despite a fighting effort from top-order batter Babar Hayat.
Babar scored a patient 39 off 43 balls, while only captain Yasim Murtaza added some resistance with 16 off 26 deliveries.
Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi taking two wickets each, and Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Omarzai picking up one wicket apiece.
The decision by Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan to bat first proved crucial, as the team posted a formidable total of 188/6 in their allotted 20 overs, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Afghanistan set 189-run target for Hong Kong
Afghanistan set a target of 189 for Hong Kong after completing their innings in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2025.
In this innings, Sediqullah Atal stood out with an impressive unbeaten knock of 73 runs. Mohammad Nabi also played a quick cameo, scoring 33 runs off 26 balls. Hong Kong will now need 189 runs to win from 20 overs.
Afghanistan win toss
Afghanistan has won the toss against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup 2025 opener. Afghanistan has won the toss against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup 2025 opener and has chosen to bat first.
Afghanistan squad
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Hong Kong squad
Yasim Murtaza (C), Zeeshan Ali (WK), Nizakat Khan, Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat, Ehsan Khan, Kalhan Challu, Ayush Shukla, Aizaz Khan, Ateeq Iqbal, Kinchit Shah.
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