Afghanistan defeated Hong Kong with 94 points in the Asia Cup 2025 Opener on September 9, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan chose to hit first, but struggled to initially find their rhythm, lost two fast wickets in the Powerplay and gave Hong Kong an early advantage.
Sediqullah Atal Held the innings together, with valuable support from Azmatullah Omarzai in the middle overs and at death. Atal remained undefeated at 73 from 52 balls, while Omarzai scored a fast 53 of 21 deliveries, making Afghanistan a competitive total of 188 for 6. Ayush Shukla and Kinchit Shah helped two wickets each for Hong Kong.
Hong Kong chased the target and lost four wickets in the powerplay for only 23 points and struggled to build every momentum in their innings. In the end, they only succeeded in 94 and were short of the target. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib took two wickets each, which marked a strong start of their campaign on the continental competition.
Who said what?
Azatullah Omarzai, player of the game
Very heavy batting in the lower order. It’s all about faith. The captain and coach have faith in me. Tried to hit the right. We have lost early wickets. I said with Atal that we go for boundaries after the 16th. When I get the ball, I feel a good bowler. When I get started, I feel a good batter
Yasim Murtaza, Hong Kong (Captain Losing Captain)
It just feels like dream come true (when playing the Asia Cup). It is one of the largest tournament in Asia. To be honest, we did not expect that kind at all. I expected 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 the plate on the plate. Wickets is the key to us early on. We had the same problem in the last series. That is an area that we have to improve. Slaging in the Death Overs was a great effort. Special, Omarzai. We have good spinners. It explains pressure on the opposition. When you place runs on the board, batters take risks and we have the chance to choose Wickets. We will try to have a good plate while we also chase. Tough ask to see what the playing XI is. To keep Mujeeb out, it was a difficult call. You sometimes look for combinations. The good thing is that I have options and that makes it easier for me.
Receive all cricket updates! Follow us:
#Asia #Cup #AFG #Match #Quotes #reactions #Cricker