Afghanistan secured a commanding 94-run victory over Hong Kong in the opening match of the Asia Cup on Tuesday at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Batting first after winning the toss, Afghanistan posted a strong total of 188 for six wickets in their 20 overs. Sediqullah Atal led the charge with an impressive unbeaten 73 runs off 52 balls, including six fours and three sixes, with a strike rate of 140.38. Azmatullah Omarzai provided a powerful contribution, smashing 53 runs from just 21 deliveries at an explosive strike rate of 252.38, hitting two fours and five sixes. Mohammad Nabi also added a useful 33 runs from 26 balls.
In reply, Hong Kong’s batting lineup struggled and could only manage 94 for nine wickets in their 20 overs. Babar Hayat was the top scorer with 39 runs off 43 balls, and captain Yasim Murtaza scored 16 before being dismissed lbw. The team lost several key wickets at crucial moments, preventing them from building momentum.
Afghanistan’s bowlers were in top form. Fazalhaq Farooqi was particularly effective, taking two wickets for just 16 runs in three overs. Gulbadin Naib also claimed two wickets, while Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan each took one. Afghanistan maintained a strong run rate of 9.40 throughout the match, while Hong Kong could only achieve a run rate of 4.70.
