Afghanistan Won by 94 runs in the 1st Match of Asia Cup 2025
Abu Dhabi – Afghanistan launched their Men’s T20 Asia Cup campaign in spectacular fashion, securing a commanding 94-run victory over Hong Kong on Tuesday. A blistering half-century from Player of the Match Azmatullah Omarzai, coupled with a steadying knock from Sediqullah Atal, propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total of 188/6, a score Hong Kong never threatened in their reply.
Summary of Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Match
After being put in to bat, Afghanistan’s innings had a shaky start, losing openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8) and Ibrahim Zadran (1) within the first four overs to find themselves at 26-2. Sediqullah Atal played the anchor role, stabilizing the innings with a well-made 73 off 52 balls. However, the real fireworks began with the arrival of Azmatullah Omarzai.
Coming in during the latter stages, Omarzai completely changed the complexion of the game with a stunning assault. He smashed an explosive 53 from just 21 deliveries, including two fours and five massive sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 252.38. His power-hitting in the death overs was the key difference, catapulting Afghanistan to a total that Hong Kong’s captain, Yasim Murtaza, later admitted was well beyond their expectation of 150. For Hong Kong, Kinchit Shah was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 24.
Hong Kong Falters in Chase
Chasing 189, Hong Kong’s batting lineup was unable to build any significant momentum against a disciplined Afghan bowling attack. They struggled from the outset, losing wickets at regular intervals and ultimately finishing on 94/9 in their 20 overs.
Babar Hayat stood as the lone fighter, top-scoring with 39 off 43 balls, but he received little support from the other end. Despite a surprisingly sloppy performance in the field where they dropped a record-equalling eight catches, Afghanistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Fazalhaq Farooqi was particularly effective, taking 2 wickets for just 16 runs.
Post-Match Reflections
Azmatullah Omarzai, deservedly named Player of the Match, credited his success to self-belief and the team’s strategy. “It is all about belief. The captain and coach have belief in me,” he said. “I was speaking to Atal that we will go for boundaries after the 16th over. When I get the ball, I feel I am a proper bowler. When I get to bat, I feel I am a proper batter.”
Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan, praised his team’s death-over batting, especially Omarzai’s contribution. “Wickets early on is the key for us. Batting in the death overs was a great effort. Specially, Omarzai,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of putting a big score on the board to pressure the opposition.
Despite the heavy defeat, Hong Kong’s captain Yasim Murtaza found positives. “Just feels like a dream come true (On playing the Asia Cup). Babar Hayat with the bat and the spinners were positives from the game,” he remarked. The victory margin marks the third-largest in the history of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup, giving Afghanistan a perfect and powerful start to their tournament.