On September 9, 2025, under the blazing 41°C sun at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 kicked off Group B with a spectacle that left cricket fans buzzing. Afghanistan delivered a crushing 94-run victory, marking the third-largest win in Men’s T20 Asia Cup history. Powered by Sediqullah Atal’s unbeaten 73 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s record-breaking 20-ball fifty—the fastest in Afghanistan’s T20I history—Afghanistan posted 188/6. Hong Kong, rattled by early wickets, crumbled to 94/9, with only Babar Hayat offering fleeting resistance.
This Asia Cup 2025 match recap dives deep into the action, unpacking every boundary, wicket, and turning point. From explosive batting to a ruthless bowling attack, here’s everything you need to know about Afghanistan’s statement win.
How did Afghanistan dominate so thoroughly? Can Hong Kong bounce back? Keep reading for detailed highlights, stats, and expert analysis! For more cricket updates, check out our Asia Cup 2025 coverage on IPL Star.
Afghanistan’s Batting Masterclass: From Powerplay Struggles to Middle Overs Resilience
Powerplay: Atal’s Fiery Start Meets Hong Kong’s Fightback
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Afghanistan, opting to bat after winning the toss, roared out of the gates in the powerplay (0-6 overs), scoring 41/2 at a run rate of 6.83. Sediqullah Atal set the tone, smashing three boundaries in the first over off Ayush Shukla. His aggressive intent was clear, standing tall and dispatching deliveries with confidence. However, Hong Kong clawed back with two quick wickets—Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8 off 5) caught off Shukla and Ibrahim Zadran (1 off 4) dismissed by Ateeq Iqbal’s wicket-maiden.
The real twist? Atal survived a dropped catch on 4 in the first over, a mistake that would haunt Hong Kong. By the end of the powerplay, Atal was 26* off 17, outscoring his partners’ combined 14 off 19. Could Hong Kong have tightened the screws further? Their spinners were about to test Afghanistan’s mettle.
Middle Overs: Spin Strangles, Nabi Stabilizes
The middle overs (7-15) saw Hong Kong’s spinners, led by captain Yasim Murtaza, turn the screws. Afghanistan managed 69/2 at 7.67 runs per over, but the going wasn’t easy. Murtaza’s clever variations—slowing the ball to as low as 70kph—frustrated Atal, who struggled to accelerate. Mohammad Nabi, bringing his wily experience, chipped in with a vital 33 off 26, including three fours and a six. Their 51-run third-wicket stand kept Afghanistan afloat.
Kinchit Shah struck twice, removing Nabi and Gulbadin Naib (5 off 8), but Hong Kong’s fielding faltered again. Atal was dropped on 46 off Murtaza’s bowling, his second life. Despite the pressure, Afghanistan reached 110/4 after 15 overs, setting the stage for a late onslaught.
Afghanistan Innings: Phase Breakdown
| Phase | Overs | Score | Run Rate | 4s/6s | Wickets | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 0.1-6 | 41/2 | 6.83 | 5/1 | Gurbaz, Zadran | Atal (26*) |
| Middle Overs | 7-15 | 69/2 | 7.67 | 3/2 | Nabi, Naib | Nabi (33), Atal |
Key Moments:
- Atal’s three boundaries in the first over set an aggressive tone.
- Ateeq Iqbal’s wicket-maiden in the fourth over pegged Afghanistan back.
- Nabi’s 51-run stand with Atal ensured stability despite spin pressure.
What could Hong Kong have done differently to capitalize on their spin dominance? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Explosive Finish: Omarzai’s Blitz in Death Overs
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 The death overs (16-20) were where Afghanistan turned the game into a rout, plundering 78/2 at a staggering 15.6 runs per over. Azmatullah Omarzai, entering at 95/4, unleashed a barrage that left Hong Kong reeling. His 53 off 21 balls included five sixes—three consecutive ones off Shukla in the 19th over—and two fours. Atal, surviving a third drop post-fifty, finished unbeaten on 73* off 52 (six fours, three sixes).
Their 82-run partnership in 35 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Omarzai’s range—from clearing his front leg for massive sixes to a cheeky ramp shot—showcased his adaptability on a tricky Abu Dhabi pitch. Hong Kong’s fielding woes were exposed: four dropped catches (three of Atal) and missed run-outs allowed Afghanistan to balloon from 119/4 to 188/6.
Death Overs Highlights (Overs 16-20):
- 17th Over: Atal smashes Iqbal for back-to-back sixes, signaling the shift.
- 19th Over: Omarzai’s three sixes and a four off Shukla yield 22 runs.
- 20th Over: Rashid Khan’s 3* off 1 caps a frenetic finish.
Death Overs Stats
| Overs | Score | Run Rate | 4s/6s | Wickets | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16-20 | 78/2 | 15.6 | 3/7 | Omarzai, Janat | Omarzai (53), Atal (73*) |
Poll: Was Omarzai’s 20-ball fifty the turning point of Afghanistan’s innings?
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Hong Kong’s Batting Collapse: Early Wickets Seal Fate
Powerplay: Afghanistan’s Pacers Strike Hard
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Hong Kong’s chase of 189 was derailed early, with Afghanistan’s bowlers reducing them to 23/4 at 3.83 runs per over in the powerplay. Fazalhaq Farooqi struck in the second ball, dismissing Anshuman Rath (0 off 1). Azmatullah Omarzai removed Zeeshan Ali (5 off 6), while run-outs of Nizakat Khan (0 off 0, via Rashid Khan’s direct hit) and Kalhan Challu (4 off 8, by Omarzai) compounded the misery.
Despite Afghanistan dropping two catches, Hong Kong’s top order was in disarray. The run-outs highlighted their inexperience, with Nizakat caught napping and Challu straying out of his crease. This collapse matched the joint-second most wickets lost in a T20 Asia Cup powerplay.
Middle Overs: Hayat’s Lone Fight
The middle overs (7-15) offered little respite, with Hong Kong managing 50/2 at 5.56 runs per over. Babar Hayat (39 off 43, three sixes) showed grit, hitting two sixes off Karim Janat in the 12th over. However, Afghanistan’s spin trio—Allah Ghazanfar, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmad—kept the scoring in check, conceding just 44 runs in 10 overs. Kinchit Shah (6 off 10) fell to Noor, and Hayat’s dismissal by Gulbadin Naib left Hong Kong at 63/6.
Hong Kong Innings: Phase Breakdown
| Phase | Overs | Score | Run Rate | 4s/6s | Wickets | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 0.1-6 | 23/4 | 3.83 | 1/0 | Rath, Ali, Nizakat, Challu | Hayat |
| Middle Overs | 7-15 | 50/2 | 5.56 | 0/2 | Shah, Hayat | Hayat (39) |
Key Moments:
- Farooqi’s early strike set a ruthless tone.
- Rashid’s direct hit run-out of Nizakat was a fielding highlight.
- Hayat’s sixes briefly raised hopes, but spin tightened the noose.
Facing Rashid Khan in a T20 chase—how tough is that? Drop your thoughts below!
Desperate Resistance: Hong Kong’s Death Overs Fight
In the death overs (16-20), Hong Kong limped to 20/3 at 4.00 runs per over, finishing at 94/9. With the chase out of reach, Yasim Murtaza (16 off 26) and Ehsan Khan (6 off 11) showed some fight, but wickets to Rashid (Aizaz Khan, 6 off 10) and Farooqi sealed their fate. Nine Hong Kong batters scored in single digits, and none managed a run-a-ball rate.
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 The lower order’s resistance ensured they played out the 20 overs, a small consolation in a one-sided defeat. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Gulbadin Naib (2-8) and Farooqi (2-16), were relentless, exposing the gulf between a Full Member and an Associate nation.
Death Overs Stats
| Overs | Score | Run Rate | 4s/6s | Wickets | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16-20 | 20/3 | 4.00 | 1/0 | Aizaz, Murtaza, Ehsan | Murtaza (16) |
Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1/1 | 0.2 | Anshuman Rath |
| 2 | 12/2 | 1.6 | Zeeshan Ali |
| 3 | 13/3 | 2.2 | Nizakat Khan |
| 4 | 22/4 | 4.3 | Kalhan Challu |
| 5 | 43/5 | 9.5 | Kinchit Shah |
| 6 | 63/6 | 12.5 | Babar Hayat |
| 7 | 78/7 | 16.2 | Aizaz Khan |
| 8 | 91/8 | 18.4 | Yasim Murtaza |
| 9 | 93/9 | 19.2 | Ehsan Khan |
Must-Watch Moments: Asia Cup 2025 Highlights from Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
The Afghanistan Hong Kong highlights were packed with drama. Here are the defining moments:
- Atal’s Explosive Start: Three boundaries in the first over set Afghanistan’s aggressive tone.
- Dropped Catches Galore: Hong Kong’s three drops of Atal (on 4, 46, and post-fifty) were game-changers.
- Omarzai’s 20-Ball Fifty: Three consecutive sixes off Shukla marked Afghanistan’s fastest T20I fifty.
- Rashid’s Direct Hit: Nizakat Khan’s run-out for 0 off 0 was a fielding masterstroke.
- Powerplay Carnage: Hong Kong’s 23/4 matched the joint-second most wickets lost in a T20 Asia Cup powerplay.
- Omarzai’s Run-Out: His quick thinking dismissed Challu, exposing Hong Kong’s inexperience.
- Hayat’s Lone Sixes: Two sixes off Janat were Hong Kong’s only sparks.
- Spin Dominance: Afghanistan’s spinners conceded just 44 runs in 10 overs.
Watch Omarzai’s blistering sixes here.
Quick Quiz: Who was the Player of the Match? A) Sediqullah Atal B) Azmatullah Omarzai C) Rashid Khan Answer in the comments!
Standout Stars: Player Ratings and Awards
Azmatullah Omarzai (9/10) – Player of the Match
Omarzai was the heartbeat of Afghanistan’s win. His 53 off 21 (five sixes, two fours) turned a competitive total into an imposing one. Add a wicket (1-4) and a run-out, and he was unstoppable.
Sediqullah Atal (8/10)
Atal’s 73* off 52, despite three lives, showed maturity. His ability to anchor and accelerate on a tough pitch was pivotal.
Babar Hayat (7/10)
Hong Kong’s lone warrior, Hayat’s 39 off 43 was gritty but not enough. His sixes showed fight, but he lacked support.
Gulbadin Naib (7.5/10)
Naib’s 2-8, including Hayat’s wicket, was economical and decisive.
Who was your MVP of the match? Let us know below!
Expert Analysis: What This Win Means for Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan’s 94-run rout signals their intent in Asia Cup Group B standings. Their strengths were clear:
- Death Overs Batting: Omarzai and Atal’s 78 runs in the last five overs showcased their finishing prowess.
- Bowling Depth: Early wickets and spin control dismantled Hong Kong.
- Fielding Edge: Despite two drops, run-outs by Rashid and Omarzai were game-changers.
Weaknesses? Afghanistan’s sloppy fielding (two dropped catches) could hurt against stronger teams like Sri Lanka or Bangladesh. Their +4.700 NRR gives them a massive advantage in Group B, where they lead with 2 points.
Hong Kong, meanwhile, exposed the Associate-Full Member gulf. Their fielding errors and batting collapse highlight areas for growth. Can they learn from this for their next match?
Will Afghanistan top Group B? Predict in the comments! For more analysis, visit our Asia Cup 2025 Group B preview.
Voices from the Field: Quotes and Key Stats
Post-Match Quotes
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan Captain): “Good to put a total on the board. Wickets early on is the key for us… Specially, Omarzai. We have good spinners.”
- Yasim Murtaza (Hong Kong Captain): “It feels like a dream come true [playing Asia Cup]… Credit to Omarzai, he changed the game.”
- Azmatullah Omarzai (Player of the Match): “Very tough batting in the lower order. It is all about belief… I feel I’m a proper batter [smiles].”
Key Stats
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Biggest Wins in T20 Asia Cup | 1. PAK vs HK, 155 runs (2022) 2. IND vs AFG, 101 runs (2022) 3. AFG vs HK, 94 runs (2025) |
| Most Catches Dropped (T20I, since 2020) | 8 each: AUS vs SCO (2024), WI vs AUS (2025), AFG vs HK (2025) |
| Hong Kong Run-Outs (since 2024) | 34 (highest among 103 teams), 29 from top seven |
| Omarzai’s Record | Fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan (20 balls) |
Which stat shocked you the most? Share below!
Final Thoughts: Afghanistan’s Dominant Start in Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan’s 94-run demolition of Hong Kong in the Asia Cup 2025 result sets a high bar for Group B. Omarzai’s fiery fifty, Atal’s gritty knock, and a ruthless bowling attack made this a statement win. Hong Kong, despite moments of promise, were outclassed. As Afghanistan eye a deep run, their NRR advantage could be crucial.
What’s next? India take on UAE on September 10—follow IPL Star for live updates and recaps! For more, check our Asia Cup 2025 schedule.
FAQs about Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 match
1. What happened in the Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 match?
The Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 match, held on September 9, 2025, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi, saw Afghanistan dominate with a 94-run victory. Afghanistan posted 188/6, led by Sediqullah Atal’s 73* and Azmatullah Omarzai’s 53. Hong Kong crumbled to 94/9, marking the third-largest win in Men’s T20 Asia Cup history. Check our Asia Cup 2025 match recap for details!
2. Who were the standout performers in Afghanistan Hong Kong highlights?
Azmatullah Omarzai, named Player of the Match, smashed Afghanistan’s fastest T20I fifty (20 balls) and took 1-4. Sediqullah Atal’s unbeaten 73 anchored the innings, while Gulbadin Naib’s 2-8 and Fazalhaq Farooqi’s 2-16 triggered Hong Kong’s collapse. Babar Hayat’s 39 was Hong Kong’s lone highlight.
3. How did Afghanistan’s powerplay wickets shape the match?
Afghanistan’s bowlers decimated Hong Kong in the powerplay, reducing them to 23/4 (Afghanistan powerplay wickets). Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Anshuman Rath in the second ball, and run-outs of Nizakat Khan and Kalhan Challu sealed Hong Kong’s fate early, making the chase near impossible.
4. Why did Hong Kong’s batting collapse in Asia Cup 2025?
The Hong Kong batting collapse was due to early losses in the powerplay (23/4) and Afghanistan’s spin dominance. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Allah Ghazanfar restricted scoring, while nine Hong Kong batters scored single digits, finishing at 94/9.
5. What was Sediqullah Atal’s role in Afghanistan’s innings?
Sediqullah Atal fifty (73* off 52) was pivotal in Afghanistan’s 188/6. Surviving three dropped catches, Atal anchored the innings and exploded in the death overs alongside Omarzai, capitalizing on Hong Kong’s fielding errors.
6. How did Azmatullah Omarzai win Player of the Match?
Azmatullah Omarzai Player of the Match award came for his all-round brilliance: a 20-ball 53 (five sixes) and a wicket plus a run-out. His explosive batting in the death overs transformed Afghanistan’s total, making him the game-changer.
7. Where was the Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 match played?
The match took place at Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi on September 9, 2025, under intense 41°C heat, adding to the challenge for both teams, especially Hong Kong’s fielders.
8. How does this win affect Asia Cup Group B standings?
Afghanistan’s 94-run win boosted their Asia Cup Group B standings, placing them atop with 2 points and a +4.700 NRR. Hong Kong, with 0 points and -4.700 NRR, sit at the bottom. See full standings.
9. What were the key Afghanistan Hong Kong highlights?
Key Afghanistan Hong Kong highlights include Omarzai’s three consecutive sixes, Atal’s three lives, Rashid’s direct hit run-out, and Hong Kong’s powerplay collapse (23/4). These moments defined Afghanistan’s dominance.
10. What’s next after Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025?
India face UAE on September 10, 2025, in the next Asia Cup match. Follow IPL Star for live updates and recaps! Can Afghanistan maintain their momentum? Check the schedule.