Asia Cup 2025, Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Live Score: The Asia Cup 2025 got underway with the opening clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. While Afghanistan were the favourites on paper, Hong Kong were aiming to make their mark in the tournament.
Afghanistan started their campaign on a high, securing a 94-run victory in this Group B fixture. Riding on brilliant half-centuries from Sedikullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan posted 188/6 in 20 overs. In response, Hong Kong’s batting faltered, and they were restricted to just 94/9 in 20 overs, failing to even cross the 100-run mark.
Afghanistan’s Early Struggles
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to bat first. Openers Sedikullah Atal and Rahmanullah Gurbaz walked out, but the partnership didn’t last long. Afghanistan lost both openers early, slipping to 26/2.
- Gurbaz scored 8 off 5 balls (with one six) before falling.
- Ibrahim Zadran managed just 1 run before being caught behind off Ateeq Iqbal.
Ayush Shukla gave Hong Kong the early breakthrough, dismissing Gurbaz.
Sedikullah-Nabi Partnership Steadies the Ship
After the early blows, Sedikullah Atal and Mohammad Nabi rebuilt the innings with a valuable 51-run stand for the third wicket. Nabi scored a fluent 33 runs off 26 balls with three fours and a six, before being dismissed by Kinchit Shah.
Afghanistan suffered another setback when Gulbadin Naib departed for just 5 runs. During this period, Atal reached his half-century off 51 balls, anchoring the innings.
Omarzai and Sedikullah Shine With Fifties
The momentum shifted again when Azmatullah Omarzai joined Atal at the crease. Omarzai played an explosive knock, smashing a 20-ball fifty before losing his wicket immediately after. Together, the pair added a crucial 82-run partnership for the fifth wicket, taking Afghanistan past 180.
- Omarzai: 53 runs off 21 balls (2 fours, 5 sixes)
- Sedikullah Atal: 73* off 52 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes)
In the closing overs, Afghanistan lost Karim Janat cheaply for 2, but Atal remained unbeaten alongside captain Rashid Khan (3*), guiding Afghanistan to 188/6 in 20 overs.
For Hong Kong, Ayush Shukla and Kinchit Shah took two wickets each, while Ateeq Iqbal and Ehsan Khan chipped in with one apiece.
Hong Kong’s Batting Collapses
Chasing 189, Hong Kong’s batting lineup never got going against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals and could only manage 94/9 in their full quota of overs, handing Afghanistan a massive 94-run win.
