Asia Cup 2025: Afghanistan overpower Hong Kong with 94-run win in Abu Dhabi opener
India and UAE to meet tomorrow in group-stage encounter
ABU DHABI – The Asia Cup 2025 got underway in the United Arab Emirates with Afghanistan delivering a resounding performance in the opening fixture, defeating Hong Kong by 94 runs at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Captain Rashid Khan won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that paid off handsomely.
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— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 9, 2025
Afghanistan piled up 188 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Sediqullah Atal starred with the bat, carrying his bat through the innings with a composed 73 not out. Azmatullah Omarzai added further momentum with a fluent 53, while veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi struck 33. Despite quick wickets from Kinchit Shah and Ayush Shukla, who took two apiece, Afghanistan’s batting line-up maintained control throughout.
Hong Kong falter in chase
In response, Hong Kong faltered badly, collapsing to 94 for nine as Afghanistan’s bowlers tightened their grip on the match. Babar Hayat provided some resistance with 39, while Yasim Murtaza contributed 16, but no other batter managed to reach double figures.
For Afghanistan, Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi spearheaded the attack, taking two wickets each. The Hong Kong line-up struggled for rhythm, unable to keep pace with the asking rate as Afghanistan closed out a dominant victory to begin their campaign.
All-round Afghanistan off the mark in ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 9, 2025
Kabul: September 10, 2025: AfghanAtalan have started their journey at the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 with a massive win as they delivered an incredible all-round performance to beat Hong Kong, China by 94 runs.… pic.twitter.com/qJl7rp2j6e
Asia Cup in motion
The tournament runs from 9 to 28 September, featuring eight competing nations: Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The most anticipated contest of the group stage, between arch-rivals Pakistan and India, is scheduled for 14 September.
In today’s fixtures, India are set to face hosts UAE, with both sides eager to make a strong start in the competition.