Sediqullah Atal played a fine knock as Afghanistan registered a massive 94-run victory against Hong Kong in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
Along with Atal’s steady innings, Azmatullah Omarzai stole the show with the fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan, making sure the team started the tournament on a high.
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Batting first, Afghanistan posted a strong total of 188/6 in their 20 overs. Atal anchored the innings with 73 runs off 52 balls, while Omarzai smashed 50 off just 20 deliveries in the final overs to completely change the momentum.
In reply, Hong Kong struggled from the start and never recovered. Babar Hayat fought with 39 runs, but none of the other batters could support him. The side ended on 94/9, falling way short of the target.
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Final Score
Afghanistan – 188/6 (20 overs)
Hong Kong – 94/9 (20 overs)
READ: Who will open for India in Asia Cup 2025?
Highlights Asia Cup 2025: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
Afghanistan kick off their Asia Cup campaign in style 🇦🇫 💪
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 9, 2025
Watch the #ACCMensAsiaCup2025, from Sept 9-28, 7 PM onwards, LIVE on the Sony Sports Network TV Channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/VolvRXFSgO
Karim Janat makes it look easy 👏
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 9, 2025
Watch #AFGvHKC, LIVE NOW on the Sony Sports Network TV Channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #ACCMensAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/oUapBnePzY
You can always count on Rashid Khan to make things happen 💯
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 9, 2025
Watch #AFGvHKC, LIVE NOW on the Sony Sports Network TV Channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #ACCMensAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/ShMWa3Oo9I
Azmatullah Omarzai has lift off at Asia Cup 2025 🚀
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 9, 2025
Watch #AFGvHKC, LIVE NOW on the Sony Sports Network TV Channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #ACCMensAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/0Qp3zEXpYK
Sediqullah Atal goes double bang! 💥💥
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 9, 2025
Watch #AFGvHKC, LIVE NOW on the Sony Sports Network TV Channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #ACCMensAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/HiT8ocEdbc
MORE: Asia Cup 2025 format: Explaining group stage and Super Four format for Asia Cup T20 tournament
What next for Afghanistan and Hong Kong?
Afghanistan have begun their Asia Cup 2025 journey in style, but tougher battles lie ahead. They will soon face Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Their next clash will be against Bangladesh on September 16, Tuesday at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
For Hong Kong, the road only gets harder. Their next match is against Bangladesh on September 11 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
READ: Asia Cup 2025: Format, teams and groups explained
After today’s heavy defeat, their chances of making it to the Super Four stage look very slim unless they can pull off a major upset in the coming games.