Afghanistan produced a dream debut performance in the inaugural game of the Asia Cup 2025. On Thursday, they trounced Hong Kong by a staggering 94 runs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan won the toss and batted first, setting a tough target. They chased down the target in just 18.4 overs while losing six wickets.
Sediqullah Atal was the star of Afghanistan’s innings, not out on 73, as he guided his team to a comfortable victory. His calm and cool head steadied the batting order, especially in a key partnership with Mohammad Nabi. The pair put on 51 runs for the fifth wicket with Nabi making 33 runs off 65 balls in the innings.
Azmatullah Omarzai was the standout performer with the bat for Afghanistan. Then, in an incendiary knock, he detonated a bomb by clobbering 53 runs in 21 balls! Omarzai’s innings featured two fours and an incredible five sixes, as he effectively stepped on the gas to up the run rate. He brought up his half-century in just 20 balls, propelling Afghanistan to a formidable total. His continued partnership with Nabi ensured Afghanistan would not be swayed off course, racking up 82 runs between them and building a solid platform for the innings.
Chasing just 92 runs to win, in reply, Hong Kong found it difficult to build up any pressure on Afghanistan’s tight bowling line-up. Our team showed some harrowing moments in the very first round of the game. With two run-outs on the way, they soon crashed to 22/4 in five overs and were hitting rock bottom. Afghanistan’s bowlers proved too hot to handle for Hong Kong, whose batsman could only muster 94 runs for nine wickets in total during their innings.
Hong Kong’s woes were compounded on the field as they put down five pivotal chances. This unfortunate blunder limited their ability to develop even the most impactful of relationships. Hong Kong came closer than anyone expected, pushing Afghanistan all the way to a tense finish in pursuit of their target. The supported support lineup there don’t show up.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan was delighted by his team’s all-round display. He pointed to their outstanding offensive firepower in batting and superb attack-on defense strategy, which fueled this resounding win. This important win leaves Afghanistan with an immense advantage in Group B of the tournament.
Afghanistan’s upcoming match is against Bangladesh on September 16. They will want to continue their successful streak in the Asia Cup.
