The Afghanistan national cricket team kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a thunderous statement, dismantling a gritty Hong Kong national cricket team by a massive 94 runs in the tournament opener at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.
After being put in to bat, a spectacular, record-breaking half-century from Azmatullah Omarzai and a composed, unbeaten 73 from Sediqullah Atal propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total of 188/6. In reply, Hong Kong’s batting lineup had no answer to Afghanistan’s fiery pace attack, crumbling to a meagre 94/9 in their 20 overs, handing AFG a resounding victory.
AFG’s Innings: From Recovery to Rampage
The start wasn’t ideal for the Afghans. The early departures of the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8) and Ibrahim Zadran (1) left them in a spot of bother within the powerplay. However, the experienced Mohammad Nabi (33 off 26) joined the young Sediqullah Atal to steady the ship with a crucial 51-run partnership.
Just as Afghanistan looked to accelerate, the dismissals of Nabi and Gulbadin Naib (5) brought Azmatullah Omarzai to the crease. What followed was an absolute assault on the Hong Kong bowlers. Omarzai, the Punjab Kings IPL star, unleashed a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing the fastest fifty in Afghanistan’s T20I history off just 20 balls.
His blistering knock of 53, featuring 5 fours and 4 sixes, and his 82-run stand with Atal off just 35 balls completely shifted the momentum. Atal, the silent architect, played a perfect anchor role, finishing with a superb 73 not out off 52 balls to guide his team to a commanding score.
HK’s Chase Derailed From the Start
Facing a daunting target of 189, the Hong Kong chase never got off the ground. The left-arm pace of Fazalhaq Farooqi and the seam of Omarzai tore through the top order in a devastating powerplay spell that left HK reeling at 23/4.
Captain Babar Hayat offered the only significant resistance with a fighting 39, but the required run rate had already spiralled out of control. The pressure built by the pacers was capitalised on by the spin trio of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi, who choked the middle overs. Gulbadin Naib returned to pick up two crucial wickets, ensuring there was no late fightback. Kinchit Shah and Aizaz Khan were among the batters who fell cheaply as Hong Kong limped to the end of their 20 overs.
Key Performances and Standout Players
- Azmatullah Omarzai: The undisputed star with a record-breaking 53 (21 balls) and a wicket with the ball.
- Sediqullah Atal: The rock of the innings with a mature, unbeaten 73.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: Set the tone with the ball, destroying HK’s top order early on.
For fans following the live score and cricket live updates, the match scorecard will show a dominant all-round performance from the Afghans.
What This Win Means
This victory gives Afghanistan a crucial positive start in Group B, which also includes heavyweights Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The comprehensive nature of the win will boost their net run rate significantly early in the tournament. For Hong Kong, it was a tough lesson at the highest level, but they will look to bounce back in their coming fixtures.
The Asia Cup today match certainly set a high standard for explosive performances. Cricket fans looking for live streaming and live cricket match today action can expect more fireworks as the tournament progresses.
Brief Scores
Afghanistan: 188/6 in 20 overs (Atal 73*, Omarzai 53; Kinchit Shah 2/28)
Hong Kong: 94/9 in 20 overs (Babar Hayat 39; Farooqi 2/12, Naib 2/15)
Result: Afghanistan won by 94 runs.