ABU DHABI: In the opening match of the Asia Cup 2025, Afghanistan secured a victory over Hong Kong by 94 runs.
Chasing a target of 189 runs, Hong Kong’s team could only manage 94 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. The match was held in Abu Dhabi, where Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to bat first.
Afghanistan scored 188 runs for 6 wickets in their 20 overs, thanks to excellent batting by Sadikullah and Zamiatullah. Sadikullah was the top scorer with 73 runs, while Zamiatullah played a quickfire innings of 53 runs off 21 balls. Mohammad Nabi contributed 33 runs. Other contributions included Rahmanullah Gurbaz with 8 runs, Ibrahim Zadran with 1, Gulbadin Naib with 5, and Karim Jannat with 2. For Hong Kong, Aayush Shukla and Kunchit Shah took 2 wickets each.
Chasing Afghanistan’s 189-run target, Hong Kong’s batting lineup faltered, and they could only reach 94 runs in 20 overs, losing 9 wickets. Top scorers for Hong Kong were Babar Hayat with 39 and captain Yasim Murtaza with 16. No other batsman reached double figures. Afghanistan’s bowlers—Fazal Hakim and Gulbadin Naib—took 2 wickets each, while Zamiatullah, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmad each claimed one wicket.
It is noteworthy that both teams are part of Group B in the Asia Cup. Pakistan will kick off their campaign in the tournament on Friday against Oman.
