Afghanistan Start Asia Cup Campaign in Style With Convincing Win Against Hong Kong

Afghanistan registered a commanding 94-run victory over Hong Kong in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2025, showcasing both power-hitting and disciplined bowling.

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bat first. However, the team got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets. The innings was then stabilized by Mohammad Nabi and Sediqullah Atal, who added 51 runs for the third wicket. Nabi contributed 33 runs, while Atal anchored the innings with an unbeaten 73 runs, finishing as the top scorer.
The highlight of Afghanistan’s innings came from Azmatullah Omarzai, who played a blistering knock of 53 runs off just 21 balls, registering the fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan. His partnership of 82 runs with Atal for the fifth wicket propelled Afghanistan to a competitive total of 188/5 in 20 overs.

In response, Hong Kong struggled against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack. They managed only 94/9 in their 20 overs, never threatening the target. Babar Hayat was the lone fighter with 39 runs, while Yasim Murtaza added 16. None of the other batters managed to reach double figures.

For Afghanistan, Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up two wickets each, ensuring a comprehensive win.

With this victory, Afghanistan made a strong statement at the start of their Asia Cup 2025 campaign.