Afghanistan thrash Hong Kong by 94 runs in Asia Cup opener

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan got off to a flying start in the men’s T20 Asia Cup, defeating Hong Kong by 94 runs in the opening Group B match, thanks to a blistering 20-ball fifty by Azmatullah Omarzai — the fastest by an Afghan in T20I history.

Skipper Rashid Khan won the toss and chose to bat first in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 188-6, with opener Sediqullah Atal anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 73.

Despite early setbacks from Hong Kong’s bowlers, Atal held firm and stitched together a crucial 51-run stand with veteran Mohammad Nabi, who contributed a quickfire 33.

Off-spinner Kinchit Shah eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Nabi, but Atal found another reliable partner in Omarzai.

The pair put on a game-changing 82-run fifth-wicket partnership. Omarzai lit up the innings with a sensational 53 off just 21 balls, including two fours and five towering sixes.

He reached his fifty with three sixes and a four, marking his first T20I half-century and setting a new national record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Afghan player.

In reply, Hong Kong never found momentum. Afghanistan’s bowlers combined effectively to restrict them to just 94-9, sealing a dominant win and a strong start to their Group B campaign, which also includes Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

sa