In the AFG vs HK Asia Cup 2025 clash, Azmatullah Omarzai stole the show with an explosive, record-smashing half-century that powered Afghanistan to a comprehensive 94-run win over Hong Kong. After a sloppy beginning, Afghanistan’s explosive finish propelled them to 188/6, a score way out of Hong Kong’s reach, as they could muster only 94 runs in return.
Afghanistan’s Initial Struggles: Early Wickets Fall
The game wasn’t off to a good start for Afghanistan as they lost Gurbaz for only 8 runs, then Ibrahim Zadran, who went back for the mere 1 run. Afghanistan’s woes were further compounded when Mohammad Nabi also got sent back for only scoring 33 runs.
The team’s score at the 13-over mark was 95/4, and it looked like they would find it tough even to get to 160. But Afghanistan had other ideas, and the game took a dramatic turn after Azmatullah Omarzai joined the team.
Azmatullah Omarzai Creates History: Fastest Fifty for Afghanistan in T20I
Azmatullah Omarzai changed the script with a blistering innings that not just picked up Afghanistan but made history as well. The 25-year-old all-rounder hit the quickest half-century in Afghanistan’s T20I cricket. Omarzai reached his fifty off just 20 balls, breaking the earlier record of Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib who had both taken 21 balls for the fifty.
His fantastic innings included 2 fours and 5 sixes, but perhaps most impressively there were three consecutive sixes in the 19th over off Ayush Shukla that completely shifted the momentum of the match to Afghanistan. Omarzai ended with 53 runs off just 21 balls, an explosive performance that provided Afghanistan with the boost they needed at the end of their innings.
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A Stormy Partnership: Omarzai and Atal Take Charge
Omarzai’s fireworks were nicely supported by Sediqullah Atal who played a good innings of 50 off 40 balls*. They put together an 82-run 5th wicket partnership in just 35 balls that provided a lift to Afghanistan’s total. Their explosive partnership helped Afghanistan score 78 runs in the last 5 overs to reach a total of a dominating 188/6.
Afghanistan’s Dominant Bowling Performance: Hong Kong’s Downfall
Hong Kong never really looked like a serious challenger in terms of Afghanistan’s daunting total. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq, were right on the money. Hong Kong lost wickets at regular intervals, barely had two-of-their batters reach double figures, and in the end, they only managed a paltry score of 94 runs in just 18.3 overs, securing Afghanistan a resounding 94-run victory.
This winning margin recorded Afghanistan’s largest win in T20 Asia Cup history and third largest run victory in the history of the Asia Cup. The only larger wins in T20 Asia Cup history are Pakistan’s 155-run win against Hong Kong in 2022 and India’s 101-run win against Afghanistan in 2022.
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Key Moments of the Match: AFG vs HK in Asia Cup 2023
Azmatullah Omarzai made history with his fast fifty: Azmatullah Omarzai played a match-defining innings, as after scoring a blitzkrieg fifty – fastest ever T20I fifty for Afghanistan, in 20 balls. Sediqullah Atal played his part: Atal’s unbeaten 50 off 40 balls supported Omarzai’s assault and helped Afghanistan finish strongly.
Powerful Finish in the Final Overs: Afghanistan scored 78 runs in the last 5 overs, thanks to the brilliant partnership between Omarzai and Atal. Hong Kong’s Challenges: It was a good beginning, but Hong Kong batting collapsed under pressure and was left with just 94 runs.
Afghanistan’s Largest T20 Asia Cup Win: Afghanistan’s 94-run win is their highest margin win in the competition, reflecting their dominance of the game.
Azmatullah Omarzai Powers Afghanistan to a Dominant Victory
In the first match of Asia Cup 2025, Azmatullah Omarzai justified his position as one of the emerging stars of Afghanistan. His record-breaking 50 from 20 balls was the game-changing moment in the match, and his all-rounder’s performance allowed Afghanistan to put up a tough total of 188/6. Alongside Sediqullah Atal and supported by a clinical bowling display, Afghanistan beat Hong Kong by 94 runs.
ALSO READ: AFG vs HK: Azmatullah Omarzai Shines As Afghanistan Trashes Hong Kong In Asia Cup 2025 Opener
