Afghanistan defeated Hong Kong by 94 runs in the Asia Cup 2025 opener on September 9, 2025, at Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan elected to bat first but struggled to find their rhythm initially, losing two quick wickets inside the powerplay and giving Hong Kong an early advantage.
Sediqullah Atal held the innings together, with valuable support from Azmatullah Omarzai in the middle overs and at the death. Atal remained unbeaten on 73 off 52 balls, while Omarzai scored a quick 53 off 21 deliveries, helping Afghanistan post a competitive total of 188 for 6. Ayush Shukla and Kinchit Shah claimed two wickets each for Hong Kong.
Chasing the target, Hong Kong lost four wickets inside the powerplay for just 23 runs and struggled to build any momentum throughout their innings. They eventually managed only 94, falling well short of the target. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib picked up two wickets apiece, marking a strong start to their campaign at the continental competition.
Who Said What?
Azmatullah Omarzai, Player of the Match
Very tough batting in the lower order. It is all about belief. The captain and coach have belief in me. Was trying to hit it straight. We lost early wickets. I was speaking to Atal that we will go for boundaries after the 16th over. When I get the ball, I feel am a proper bowler. When I get to bat, I feel am a proper batter
Yasim Murtaza, Hong Kong (Losing Captain)
Just feels like dream come true (On playing the Asia Cup). It is one of the biggest tournament of Asia. To be honest, we weren’t expecting that kind of total. I was expecting 150. Credit to Omarzai, he changed the game. Babar Hayat with the bat and the spinners were positives from the game.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan (Winning Captain)
Was a great game. Good to put total on the board. Wickets early on is the key for us. We had the same issue in the last series. That’s one area we need to improve. Batting in the death overs was a great effort. Specially, Omarzai. We have good spinners. It puts pressure on the opposition. When you put runs on the board, batters will take risks and we have a chance to pick wickets. We will try to have a good record while chasing as well. Tough ask to see what is the playing XI. To keep Mujeeb out, it was a tough call. You sometimes look for combinations. The good thing is I have options and that makes it easier for me.
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