Asia Cup 2025 T20 Live Updates, Afghanistan vs Hong Kong: The much-awaited Asia Cup 2025 kicked off with the opening clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. On paper, Afghanistan entered as the stronger side, but Hong Kong was determined to make an impression.
Afghanistan, after recovering from an early stumble, posted a challenging total of 188/6 in 20 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Sedikullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai. In reply, Hong Kong got off to a disastrous start, collapsing to 22/4 inside the powerplay.
Afghanistan’s Innings: From Collapse to Recovery
Winning the toss, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan opted to bat first. The innings began shakily as openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8 off 5) and Ibrahim Zadran (1 off 4) fell cheaply, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 26/2.
However, Sedikullah Atal and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi steadied the innings with a crucial 51-run stand for the third wicket. Nabi played a handy knock of 33 runs off 26 balls (3 fours, 1 six) before falling to Kinchit Shah.
After Gulbadin Naib’s dismissal for just 5, Afghanistan was in trouble again. But Atal held his ground, bringing up his fifty off 51 balls.
The real momentum shift came when Azmatullah Omarzai joined Atal at the crease. Omarzai launched a fierce counterattack, smashing a 20-ball fifty before being dismissed immediately after. The duo put together a 82-run partnership for the fifth wicket, ensuring Afghanistan reached a strong total.
- Sedikullah Atal: 73* (52 balls, 6 fours, 3 sixes)
- Azmatullah Omarzai: 53 (21 balls, 2 fours, 5 sixes)
Afghanistan closed at 188/6, with Rashid Khan (3*) remaining unbeaten alongside Atal.
For Hong Kong, Ayush Shukla and Kinchit Shah claimed two wickets each, while Ateeq Iqbal and Ehsan Khan picked up one apiece.
Hong Kong’s Chase: Top Order Collapses
Chasing 189, Hong Kong faltered badly against Afghanistan’s sharp bowling.
- Anshuman Rath – out for a duck.
- Zeeshan Ali – 5 runs before falling to Omarzai.
- Nizakat Khan – run out without scoring.
- Kalhan Challu – run out for just 4.
At 22/4, Hong Kong was staring at a mountain to climb, with Babar Hayat and Kinchit Shah trying to steady the innings at the crease.
Playing XIs
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sedikullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Hong Kong: Zeeshan Ali (wk), Babar Hayat, Anshuman Rath, Kalhan Challu, Nizakat Khan, Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (c), Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan.
