Afghanistan got off to a winning start in the Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash with a dominant performance against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. Following a shaky start, Afghanistan's middle order stepped up with Sediqullah Atal's unbeaten 73 and Azmatullah Omarzai's record-breaking fifty; Afghanistan finished up compiling a strong score of 188/6. In reply, Hong Kong faltered badly, collapsing in the powerplay and never recovering as they were bundled out for under 100. Afghanistan’s clinical bowling and sharp fielding sealed a massive 94-run victory to begin their campaign in style. Below are the main reasons for Hong Kong defeat:

1. Afghanistan’s powerful batting partnership and record-breaking innings

Afghanistan, after a shaky start, postponed collapse with a match-winning 73* off 52 balls from Sediqullah Atal and a blazing Azmatullah Omarzai, whose fifty came off just 20 balls, a record-fast for Afghanistan in T20Is. Their late-over surge propelled the total to 188/6.

2. Hong Kong’s collapse during the power play and poor execution

In response, Hong Kong collapsed early: they were 23/4 after six overs, losing a number of wickets during the powerplay. The top- and middle-order batsmen formed no partnerships and could not control their required run rate, which soared beyond control.

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3. Disciplined Afghan bowling and sharp fielding pressure

Afghan bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib, and Rashid Khan, among others, bowled disciplined, low-scoring spells, which ensured that Hong Kong got no substantial breakthroughs. Two run-outs, with important dropped catches that were recovered, meant Hong Kong never got back into the game at any stage.