Abu Dhabi, September 10 (HS): The Asia Cup 2025 kicked off in emphatic fashion as Afghanistan crushed Hong Kong by 94 runs in the opening game, registering the largest victory margin by runs in the history of the T20 Asia Cup.

Batting first, Afghanistan posted a commanding total of 188 for 3 in their 20 overs. Opener Sediqullah Atal anchored the innings with a fluent 73, while all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai rewrote history with a blistering half-century off just 20 balls, the fastest T20I fifty by an Afghan player. Omarzai struck 53 in a whirlwind knock, well supported by Mohammad Nabi’s composed 33.

In reply, Hong Kong’s batting crumbled against Afghanistan’s disciplined attack, folding for just 94 runs. Babar Hayat top-scored with 39, while skipper Yasim Murtaza added 16, but no other batsman could withstand the relentless bowling assault.

For Afghanistan, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib bagged two wickets each, while Omarzai, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmad chipped in with one apiece, sealing an emphatic all-round performance.

With this resounding win, Afghanistan not only signaled a powerful start to their campaign but also laid down an early marker as one of the strongest contenders for the Asia Cup title.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar