ABU DHABI: Afghanistan crushed Hong Kong by 94 runs in the opening match of the T20 Asia Cup 2025 played at Zayed Cricket Stadium Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday.
Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Afghanistan posted a competitive 188 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs. Opener Sediqullah Atal anchored the innings with an unbeaten 73, while Azmatullah Omarzai struck 53 in a fine display of aggressive batting. Mohammad Nabi added a handy 33 before falling late in the innings.
In reply, Hong Kong faltered against a disciplined Afghan bowling attack, managing only 94 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Remarkably, nine of their batters failed to reach double figures. Babar Hayat top-scored with 39, while Yasim Murtaza chipped in with 16, but the rest of the line-up struggled under the mounting pressure.
Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up two wickets each, keeping the opposition firmly in check.
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The tournament, which runs from 9 to 28 September, features eight teams: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Hong Kong.
The much awaited clash between Pakistan and India is scheduled for 14 September, while India are set to play the UAE later today in another group-stage fixture.
