Afghanistan Dominate Hong Kong with Record-Breaking Performance in Asia Cup 2025 Opening Match

Commanding Victory Sets Tone for Tournament

The Asia Cup 2025 kicked off at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, with Afghanistan winning the toss and choosing to bat against Hong Kong. What followed was a display of cricket that highlighted the growing gap between Full Member and Associate nations.

Record-Breaking Batting Performance

Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai each struck half-centuries to propel Afghanistan to 188 for 6. While Hong Kong’s spinners showed promise by effectively utilizing the slow conditions, the difference in class ultimately became apparent.

In sweltering conditions of 41°C heat, Azmatullah Omarzai delivered a spectacular performance, achieving Afghanistan’s fastest T20I fifty. His explosive innings of 53 came from just 21 balls and included two fours and five sixes.

Hong Kong’s Struggle

Hong Kong’s chase never gained momentum as they quickly fell to 22-4 inside the powerplay. Despite some resistance from Babar Hayat batting at No. 3, the team could only manage 94-9, resulting in a 94-run defeat.

Looking Ahead

Afghanistan enters the tournament as one of the favourites in Group B, having reached the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals and established themselves as genuine contenders against top-tier nations. Their recent impressive victories over England, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa demonstrate their growing stature in international cricket.

For Hong Kong, the challenge ahead is significant as they find themselves in a group with three legitimate contenders for the trophy. While they have played 16 T20Is this year, nothing has prepared them for the sharp increase in quality they’ll face in this tournament.