Abu Dhabi, Sep 9: Afghanistan kick-started their Asia Cup campaign in style, defeating Hong Kong by a commanding 94 runs in their Group B encounter at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The win marked the third-biggest victory margin in the T20 edition of the continental tournament.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a strong total of 188/6 in 20 overs, powered by half-centuries from opener Sediqullah Atal (73 off 52) and Azmatullah Omarzai (53 off 20). Mohammad Nabi also chipped in with a quickfire 33, helping Afghanistan recover after two early wickets. Atal anchored the innings with his disciplined knock, while Omarzai provided the late fireworks, smashing three sixes and a four in one over off Ayush Shukla to complete his maiden T20I fifty.
For Hong Kong, Kinchit Shah was the standout bowler, finishing with 2/24 in three overs, while Ayush Shukla grabbed two wickets but proved expensive.
In reply, Hong Kong faltered early in their chase of 189. Fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi struck in the very first over, dismissing opener Anshuman Rath for a duck. By the end of the powerplay, Hong Kong were reeling at 23/4, with Zeeshan Ali, Nizakat Khan, and Kalhan Challu back in the pavilion. Spinner Noor Ahmad and skipper Rashid Khan further tightened the screws in the middle overs.
Only Babar Hayat offered resistance with a fighting 39, but once he fell to Gulbadin Naib, Hong Kong’s innings collapsed. They eventually limped to 94/9 in 20 overs.
Afghanistan’s bowling was a collective effort, with Farooqi (2/16) and Naib (2/8) leading the attack, while Noor Ahmad, Rashid Khan, and Omarzai chipped in with a wicket each.
The contest, however, was marred by poor fielding from both sides, as eight catches were dropped—the joint-highest in a men’s T20I since 2020.
With this emphatic win, Afghanistan not only gained momentum in the tournament but also sent a strong message to other contenders.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan 188/6 in 20 overs (Sediqullah Atal 73*, Azmatullah Omarzai 53, Mohammad Nabi 33; Kinchit Shah 2/24)
Hong Kong 94/9 in 20 overs (Babar Hayat 39; Gulbadin Naib 2/8, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2/16)
Result: Afghanistan won by 94 runs.