By Himadullah Sohoo 
Afghanistan Too Strong in Abu Dhabi
The 2025 Asia Cup began with a statement victory for Afghanistan, who dismantled Hong Kong by 94 runs under the lights in Abu Dhabi. With bat and ball, the Afghans showed their growing stature in world cricket, producing a polished performance to take Group B’s opening points.
Atal Anchors, Omarzai Destroys
After losing early wickets, Sediqullah Atal stood tall, surviving three dropped chances but making them count. His 73 off 52 balls, with six fours and three sixes, was an innings of control and intent, keeping Afghanistan’s scoreboard ticking when Hong Kong’s spinners threatened to choke the middle overs.
Atal’s resilience laid the platform for a late assault. Enter Azmatullah Omarzai, who turned the final four overs into a highlight reel. The allrounder blasted 53 off 21 balls, reaching his fifty in just 20 deliveries – the fastest ever for Afghanistan in T20Is. He launched five towering sixes and two fours, lifting Afghanistan to a commanding 188/6.
Hong Kong Collapse Under Pressure
In reply, Hong Kong faltered badly. Nine of their batters finished in single digits, as pressure and poor decision-making cost them dearly. Anshy Rath was dismissed controversially early, Nizakat Khan was run out without facing a ball, and Kalhan Challu fell victim to a sharp piece of fielding from Omarzai.
Only Babar Hayat (39 off 43) showed any resistance, but his departure left Hong Kong reeling. Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained relentless discipline, with Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/16), Gulbadin Naib (2/8), and skipper Rashid Khan (1/24) all striking at key moments. Omarzai also contributed with the ball, fittingly capping off a Player of the Match performance.
A Statement Win
The 94-run victory sends Afghanistan soaring with confidence in the Asia Cup, while Hong Kong are left to regroup after being outplayed in every department. For Afghanistan, the form of Atal and Omarzai will be particularly pleasing, with both players showing the kind of match-winning ability needed for deeper runs in major tournaments.
Brief Scores
Afghanistan 188/6 (Atal 73, Omarzai 53, Kinchit 2/24)
Hong Kong 94/9 (Babar Hayat 39, Farooqi 2/16, Naib 2/8)
Result: Afghanistan won by 94 runs*
Player of the Match: Azmatullah Omarzai
Anas Ahmed 
Zainab Shafiq