Asia Cup 2025: Who won yesterday's game between AFG vs HKG, Match 1?

Afghanistan made a strong start to their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a thumping 94-run win over Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi on September 9. Azmatullah Omarzai was named Player of the Match for his all-round show.

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Skipper Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to bat first. But Afghanistan suffered early setbacks as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran departed cheaply. The innings was steadied by Mohammad Nabi, who scored 33 off 26, and Sediqullah Atal, who anchored from the other end. The pair added 51 runs for the third wicket.

The momentum shifted when Omarzai walked in. The all-rounder smashed a blistering 53 off just 21 balls, putting together a crucial 82-run stand with Atal for the fifth wicket. Atal stayed unbeaten till the end, scoring a well-paced 73 off 52 deliveries, guiding Afghanistan to a commanding 188/6 in their 20 overs. 

For Hong Kong, Kinchit Shah and Ayush Shukla picked up two wickets each, while Ehsan Khan and Ateeq Iqbal chipped in with one apiece.       

Let’s take a look at HKG’s Chase

Chasing 189, Hong Kong’s batting faltered right from the start. They could manage only 94/9 in 20 overs. Babar Hayat was the lone fighter, making 39 off 43, while captain Yasim Murtaza added 16 off 26. None of the other batters reached double figures.

Afghanistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout. Gulbadin Naib was outstanding with 2 for 8, while Fazalhaq Farooqi also claimed two wickets. Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, and Rashid Khan picked up one wicket each.

With this big win, Afghanistan moved to the top of Group B with two points and an impressive net run rate of +4.700. Their next match is against Bangladesh on September 16. Hong Kong, with a net run rate of -4.700, will look to bounce back when they face Bangladesh on September 11.

Brief scores:

AFG won the toss and elected to bat first

AFG: 188/6 (20) 

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Sediqullah Atal 73* (52), Azmatullah Omarzai 53 (21), Kinchit Shah 2/24, Ayush Shukla 2/54

HKG: 94/9 (20)

Babar Hayat 39 (43), Yasim Murtaza 16 (26),  Gulbadin Naib 2/8, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2/16 

AFG won the match by 94 runs.

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