Abu Dhabi, September 9, 2025 – Afghanistan launched their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in style, outclassing Hong Kong, China by a commanding 94 runs in the opening T20I at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
The emphatic win not only gave them a perfect start but also significantly boosted their net run rate in a tough group stage.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan endured a shaky start as openers Gurbaz and Ibrahim fell cheaply within the first six overs. Struggling at 77/2 after 10 overs, the Afghan side needed stability, which came through a composed 51-run stand between Sediqullah Atal and Mohammad Nabi. Atal went on to score a gritty half-century, while the finishing touches came from Azmatullah Omarzai. His explosive knock in the death overs, combined with Nabi’s experience, lifted Afghanistan to a competitive total, scoring over 110 runs in the final 10 overs.
Hong Kong, China’s spinners bowled with discipline, but costly errors in the field—including two dropped catches of Atal—proved decisive. Chasing the target, Hong Kong endured a disastrous Powerplay, losing four wickets for just 23 runs. Omarzai once again starred, claiming a wicket and effecting a run-out to dismantle the top order. Babar Hayat showed resistance, but with little support from the other end, the innings never gained momentum. Only Hayat and skipper Yasim Murtaza managed to reach double figures, as the side folded tamely.
Despite some sloppy moments in the field, Rashid Khan’s men executed their bowling plans effectively. Rashid admitted after the match that while the win was satisfying, fielding lapses remain an area of concern ahead of bigger clashes. He praised Omarzai’s all-round brilliance, calling it a game-changing performance.
For Hong Kong, China, the defeat was sobering but not entirely disheartening. Captain Yasim Murtaza emphasized the positives, noting Hayat’s runs and the spinners’ disciplined bowling, while acknowledging the need for better death-overs execution.
The one-sided contest highlighted the gulf in experience at this level, yet Hong Kong will view such matches as invaluable learning opportunities. For Afghanistan, however, the result reinforces their credentials as strong contenders in this tournament. With a powerful spin arsenal and an improving batting depth, they will head into their next group match brimming with confidence.