ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan defeated Hong Kong by 94 runs in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2025 at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Tuesday.
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first in the opening match of the 17th edition of the Asia Cup.
Afghanistan’s right-hand batter Azmatullah Omarzai hit 53 off 21 balls, including two fours and five sixes, for which the batter was awarded the Player of the Match.
Afghanistan's opening batsman Sediqullah Atal built a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 82 with Omarzai, helping Afghanistan to put 188 runs on the board.
Afghanistan hold their ground
Hong Kong bowlers struck two early blows, but Atal stood firm to put on 51 runs with Mohammad Nabi, who made 33 as the two counter-attacked.
Off-spinner Kinchit Shah broke the stand to dismiss Nabi, but Atal continued the onslaught with Omarzai.
Hong Kong, who dropped five catches, were never in the chase after they slipped to 22-4 inside five overs, including two run-outs.
Afghanistan’s bowlers then restricted Hong Kong to 94 for the loss of nine wickets.
India is facing the UAE at the Dubai International Stadium today, September 10.
The match between India and Pakistan will be held on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium, which has a seating capacity of up to 25,000 spectators, according to ESPNcricinfo.