Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Highlights, 1st Match, Group B – Asia Cup 2025 | Afghanistan Won by 94 Runs

End of Over 20: Hong Kong 94/9

Over 20: 0 W 0 0 1 0

HKG: 94/9 | CRR: 4.70

Afghanistan seal a dominant win on opening night with a clinical bowling display.

Fazalhaq Farooqi closed out the innings in style, grabbing a sharp caught-and-bowled to dismiss Ehsan Khan before conceding just a single in the final over. Gulbadin Naib’s double strike and Noor Ahmad’s miserly spell had already wrecked Hong Kong’s chase, leaving them well short of the target. Afghanistan finish with a resounding victory, gaining not just two points but also a handy net run rate boost. A commanding performance that sets the tone for their campaign.

End of Over 19: Hong Kong 93/8

Over 19: 0 1 0 1w W 1 1

HKG: 93/8 | CRR: 4.89 | RRR: 96.00 | Need 96 from 6 balls

Gulbadin Naib strikes again as Murtaza falls lbw after a desperate review.

Gulbadin Naib tightened the screws with another clever over, claiming the big wicket of Yasim Murtaza. A slower ball trapped Murtaza plumb in front, and even a hopeful review couldn’t save him — ball tracking showed three reds. Ehsan Khan and newcomer Ayush Shukla added singles, but Hong Kong are eight down and staring at the inevitable. Gulbadin’s figures now stand at 3-0-8-2, a spell of ruthless accuracy at the death. With 96 needed off the last over, the result is a mere formality.

End of Over 18: Hong Kong 89/7

Over 18: 1 0 0 1 1w 4 0

HKG: 89/7 | CRR: 4.94 | RRR: 50.00 | Need 100 from 12 balls

Noor Ahmad concedes a rare boundary but keeps Hong Kong under wraps.

Noor Ahmad closed out his spell with control and guile, finishing with excellent figures of 4-0-16-1. He teased the batters with flight and variation, even drawing a couple of strong LBW shouts that went unanswered. The only blemish was a crisp boundary from Yasim Murtaza, who stepped out and hammered one past long off. Still, with 100 needed off the final two overs, the match is firmly in Afghanistan’s grip.

End of Over 17: Hong Kong 82/7

Over 17: 0 W 2 1 1 0

HKG: 82/7 | CRR: 4.82 | RRR: 35.66 | Need 107 from 18 balls

Rashid Khan breaks through as Hong Kong sink further.

Rashid Khan finished his spell with classic control and a key wicket. He lured Aizaz Khan into a mistimed slog, with Nabi holding on smartly at long on. Ehsan Khan managed a couple of runs and a single to get going, while Murtaza added one more, but the over belonged to Rashid. His figures — 4-0-24-1 — reflect how he stifled the innings. With just 18 balls left and the required rate soaring past 35, Hong Kong are staring at a heavy defeat.

End of Over 16: Hong Kong 78/6

Over 16: 1w 0 0 1lb 1 1 1

HKG: 78/6 | CRR: 4.87 | RRR: 27.75 | Need 111 from 24 balls

Noor Ahmad keeps Hong Kong tied down despite a dropped catch.

Noor Ahmad mixed his lengths smartly and gave away just five runs in the over. He even created a wicket chance first ball — Yasim Murtaza drilled one to extra cover, but the substitute fielder Ashraf couldn’t cling on. A wild wide and a leg bye added to the tally, but otherwise, Noor’s guile kept the batters guessing. With the asking rate now nearing 28 an over, Hong Kong are only playing for pride, while Afghanistan hunt for a commanding finish.

End of Over 15: Hong Kong 73/6

Over 15: 1 1 0 1 1 1

HKG: 73/6 | CRR: 4.86 | RRR: 23.20 | Need 116 from 30 balls

Rashid Khan keeps it tight but Hong Kong can’t break free.

Rashid Khan zipped through his over with a mix of googlies and quicker ones. There was another LBW appeal against Aizaz Khan, but it looked to be spinning too much and was turned down. In the end, just five singles came off it — Hong Kong continue to struggle for boundaries, and the asking rate has ballooned beyond 23 an over. Murtaza and Aizaz are still battling, but the mountain looks almost unclimbable.

End of Over 14: Hong Kong 68/6

Over 14: 0 1 1 1 1 1

HKG: 68/6 | CRR: 4.85 | RRR: 20.16 | Need 121 from 36 balls

Afghanistan tighten the screws as Hong Kong crawl along.

Karim Janat kept it short of a length throughout the over, mixing angles well. Afghanistan even went for a review first ball against Yasim Murtaza, convinced he was plumb, but ball-tracking showed impact outside off and they lost their review. After that, it was all about nudges and pushes — five singles came, but no boundaries. Hong Kong’s required rate has skyrocketed to over 20, with just six overs left. Yasim Murtaza and Aizaz Khan are hanging in, but the chase looks almost out of reach.

End of Over 13: Hong Kong 63/6

Over 13: 1 1 0 1 W 0

HKG: 63/6 | CRR: 4.84 • RRR: 18.00 • Need 126 from 42 balls

Naib delivers a body blow as Hayat departs!

Gulbadin Naib, who had been tight all along, struck the killer blow by removing Babar Hayat for 39. The short ball hurried Hayat, who mistimed his pull straight to deep mid wicket, cutting short what looked like Hong Kong’s last realistic hope. Just three runs came off the over, and with the required rate now ballooning to 18, Afghanistan have their foot firmly on the pedal.

End of Over 12: Hong Kong 60/5

Over 12: 0 6 1 6 1 2

HKG: 60/5 | CRR: 5.00 • RRR: 16.12 • Need 129 from 48 balls

Hayat lights up the chase with two towering sixes off Janat!

Karim Janat’s first over turned out to be expensive as Babar Hayat finally cut loose. After a watchful start, Hayat launched two massive sixes — one soaring 93 meters over wide long on — to inject life into Hong Kong’s innings. He also picked up singles and a brace to finish the over strongly. Sixteen runs came from it, giving Hong Kong some badly needed momentum. Still, at 60/5 after 12 overs, the asking rate remains daunting at over 16.

End of Over 11: Hong Kong 44/5

Over 11: 0 1 0 0 0 0

HKG: 44/5 | CRR: 4.00 • RRR: 16.11 • Need 145 from 54 balls

Naib keeps it tight as Murtaza struggles to settle.

Gulbadin Naib came into the attack and instantly tied things down. Babar Hayat squeezed out a single early in the over, but after that it was all dots, with Yasim Murtaza unable to connect cleanly despite a few ambitious swipes. The required rate climbs past 16 as Hong Kong remain stuck at 44/5 after 11 overs, with the pressure mounting heavily on Hayat to find boundaries.

End of Over 10: Hong Kong 43/5

Over 10: 0 0 1 2 W 0

HKG: 43/5 | CRR: 4.30 • RRR: 14.60 • Need 146 from 60 balls

Noor Ahmad strikes! Kinchit Shah falls to a smart catch in the deep.

Noor Ahmad’s googlies kept Hong Kong batters in check and he eventually broke through. After Babar Hayat scratched around for a single, Kinchit Shah managed a neat chip over extra cover for two, but his attempt at the sweep proved costly. He picked out Karim Janat at deep backward square, who held on smartly to leave Hong Kong five down. Skipper Yasim Murtaza walked in and survived his first ball, but the pressure is piling on with the required rate now nearly 15 an over. Hong Kong are 43/5 at the halfway mark.

End of Over 9: Hong Kong 40/4

Over 9: 1 6 0 1 1 1

HKG: 40/4 | CRR: 4.44 • RRR: 13.54 • Need 149 from 66 balls

Babar Hayat breaks loose with a towering six off Rashid!

Rashid Khan was greeted with aggression as Babar Hayat danced down the track and launched him over long on for a huge six — the first big blow of Hong Kong’s innings. Rashid adjusted quickly with flatter lengths, but Hayat and Kinchit Shah still managed to rotate strike. Ten runs came off the over, offering Hong Kong a brief lift. At 40/4 after 9 overs, though, the asking rate continues to climb, leaving Hayat with a massive task ahead.

End of Over 8: Hong Kong 30/4

Over 8: 0 0 1 1 0 0

HKG: 30/4 | CRR: 3.75 • RRR: 13.25 • Need 159 from 72 balls

Noor Ahmad slots in with a tidy start.

Noor Ahmad came into the attack and immediately found his rhythm, mixing up the googly to keep Hayat guessing. The Hong Kong skipper could only manage a single, while Kinchit Shah worked one to point. Apart from those two runs, Noor kept things quiet, getting past Hayat’s bat a couple of times and denying any release. Hong Kong stumble along to 30/4 after 8 overs, with the chase looking steeper by the minute.

End of Over 7: Hong Kong 28/4

Over 7: 2 0 1 0 1 1

HKG: 28/4 | CRR: 4.00 • RRR: 12.38 • Need 161 from 78 balls

Rashid Khan settles in with a probing first over.

Rashid Khan immediately created drama with his guile. He nearly had Kinchit Shah caught at slip, but replays showed no bat and the lbw impact was just outside off — a narrow escape for Hong Kong. Babar Hayat managed a couple of runs early and then rotated strike with singles, while Kinchit opened his account with a straight drive past the bowler. Despite five runs coming, Rashid’s control and threat were evident, keeping Afghanistan firmly on top. Hong Kong end the 7th over at 28/4, needing the required rate of over 12 to ease soon.

End of Over 6: Hong Kong 23/4

Over 6: 0 0 0 0 0 1

HKG: 23/4 | CRR: 3.83 • RRR: 11.85 • Need 166 from 84 balls

Tight over from Ghazanfar keeps Hong Kong under the pump.

Ghazanfar was relentless, hitting a probing length and troubling Babar Hayat with sharp turn and nip-backs. He even went up for a big LBW shout against Hayat, but UltraEdge suggested a faint inside edge. Hayat survived but couldn’t break free, managing just a single off the last ball to keep strike. Hong Kong crawl to 23/4 after 6 overs, with the required run rate shooting up to nearly 12 an over.

End of Over 5: Hong Kong 22/4

Over 5: 1 2 W • • •

HKG: 22/4 | CRR: 4.40 • RRR: 11.13 • Need 167 from 90b

Omarzai showed sharp reflexes to run out Kalhan Challu, after Afghanistan had already dropped a couple of catches.

Azmatullah Omarzai (2-0-4-1) bowled a probing over and also effected a brilliant direct-hit run out to dismiss Kalhan Challu (4 off 8). Babar Hayat (7* off 12) remains, while Kinchit Shah (0* off 3) has just arrived. Afghanistan’s fielding was again in the spotlight — Janat put down a sitter off Hayat at deep third — but Omarzai’s moment of brilliance lifted their spirits. At 22/4 after 5 overs, Hong Kong are staring at a steep chase.

End of Over 4: Hong Kong 20/3

Over 4: 1 1 1 • • 1

HKG: 20/3 | CRR: 5.00 • RRR: 10.56 • Need 169 from 96b

AM Ghazanfar’s first over saw just 4 runs, and a comedy of errors as a simple catch was put down with two fielders colliding.

Ghazanfar (1-0-4-0) came into the attack early and bowled with good control. Both Babar Hayat (6* off 11) and Kalhan Challu (3* off 6) picked up singles, but Hong Kong’s progress is still slow. The big talking point was the dropped catch when Challu miscued one high — Zadran and Atal both went for it, only to end up in an awkward mix-up and grass the chance. At 20/3 after 4 overs, Afghanistan are on top despite their sloppy fielding.

End of Over 3: Hong Kong 16/3

Over 3: • 1w W 1 • 1 1

HKG: 16/3 | CRR: 5.33 • RRR: 10.17 • Need 173 from 102b

Farooqi’s over had drama — a wide, a run out from Rashid’s direct hit, and just 4 runs scored. Hong Kong in big trouble early.

Fazalhaq Farooqi (2-0-15-1) kept probing with swing and seam, and Afghanistan’s fielders backed him up. The big moment came when Nizakat Khan (run out without scoring) was caught short thanks to Rashid Khan’s sharp throw from mid-off. Babar Hayat (4* off 9) is still there, while newcomer Kalhan Challu (1* off 2) joins him at the crease. With the score at 16/3 after 3 overs, Hong Kong’s chase is wobbling badly.

End of Over 2: Hong Kong 12/2

Over 2: • • 1 • • W

HKG: 12/2 | CRR: 6.00 • RRR: 9.83 • Need 177 from 108b

Omarzai strikes in his very first over, sending back Zeeshan Ali. Just 1 run conceded — Hong Kong in deep trouble.

Azmatullah Omarzai (1-0-1-1) was on the money straight away, getting good movement off the pitch. He dismissed Zeeshan Ali (5 off 6, 1×4) with a soft leading edge to Nabi at mid-on. Babar Hayat (2* off 5) is holding one end, but with just 12/2 after two overs, Hong Kong’s chase of 189 has stumbled early. Farooqi (1-0-11-1) had already removed Rath in the first over, and Afghanistan’s bowlers are on top.

End of Over 1: Hong Kong 11/1

Over 1: 1 W • 1 5w 4 •

HKG: 11/1 | CRR: 11.00 • RRR: 9.36 • Need 178 from 114b

Farooqi strikes in his first over, removing Rath for a golden duck, but 5 wides and a boundary keep Hong Kong’s chase alive.

Fazalhaq Farooqi (1-0-11-1) made the early breakthrough, getting Anshuman Rath caught behind for 0. Zeeshan Ali responded positively with a crisp boundary (5* off 3) and benefited from five wides. Babar Hayat is off the mark (1* off 2) as Hong Kong reach 11/1 after the first over, chasing 189. Replays later showed controversy around Rath’s dismissal, with a clear gap between bat and ball, leaving the batter visibly frustrated on the sidelines.

End of Over 20: Afghanistan 188/6

Over 20: 1 2 1w W 3 1 1

AFG: 188/6 | CRR: 9.40

Atal finishes unbeaten on 73 while Ehsan Khan delivers a composed final over with a wicket.

Ehsan Khan held his nerve at the death, mixing yorkers with clever pace to concede just nine runs while also dismissing Karim Janat (2 off 3). Rashid Khan chipped in with a cheeky late cameo (3* off 1), guiding one past short third for three runs. Sediqullah Atal remained the star of the show, closing on a classy 73* off 52 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes). Afghanistan wrap up their innings at 188/6, powered by Atal’s anchor role and Omarzai’s record-breaking blitz earlier in the innings.

End of Over 19: Afghanistan 179/5

Over 19: 6 6 6 4 W 1w 1

AFG: 179/5 | CRR: 9.42

Omarzai’s blistering 53 off just 21 balls lights up Abu Dhabi before falling to Shukla.

Azmatullah Omarzai tore into Ayush Shukla’s final over with three consecutive sixes, a classy four to bring up his maiden T20I half-century, and a strike-rate well over 250. His counterattack pushed Afghanistan within touching distance of 180 before he miscued a slower one to long on. Shukla (4-0-54-2) had the last laugh but was punished severely in his spell. Karim Janat (1* off 1) joined Sediqullah Atal (69* off 49), who has anchored brilliantly, as Afghanistan look to push past 180 in the final over.

End of Over 18: Afghanistan 155/4

Over 18: 1 1 2 6 0 1

AFG: 155/4 | CRR: 8.61

Omarzai punishes Ehsan with a towering six as catches continue to go down.

Azmatullah Omarzai (31* off 16) kept the momentum flowing, cracking a massive six over mid wicket and running hard between the wickets. Sediqullah Atal (69* off 49) rotated strike but looked a little tired, taking on fluids in the humid conditions. Another catch went begging — Rath spilling Omarzai at long off — adding to Hong Kong’s frustration after Ehsan himself had dropped one earlier. Ehsan Khan mixed yorkers with loose balls, ending with 3-0-19-0. Afghanistan are 155/4 after 18 overs, eyeing a strong finish.

End of Over 17: Afghanistan 144/4

Over 17: 4 1 6 6 1 2w 1w 4

AFG: 144/4 | CRR: 8.47

Atal explodes with back-to-back sixes as 25 runs come off the over!

Sediqullah Atal unleashed his range, smashing two huge sixes and a cheeky scoop for four, racing to 68* off 48 balls. Omarzai joined the party with a boundary of his own and kept the strike rotating, now 21* off 11. Ateeq Iqbal had a nightmare over, conceding extras with wides and being punished for every loose ball, finishing with 3-1-32-1. Afghanistan surged ahead to 144/4 after 17 overs, the partnership piling pressure on UAE’s bowlers.

End of Over 16: Afghanistan 119/4

Over 16: 1 1 6 1 0 0

AFG: 119/4 | CRR: 7.43

Big six from Omarzai, but Atal gets a life after a costly drop!

Azmatullah Omarzai provided the fireworks with a clean strike over deep mid wicket, racing to 16* off 9 balls. Sediqullah Atal (51* off 44) survived a huge scare when Ehsan at short third spilled a sitter, blaming the lights, but Afghanistan won’t complain. Yasim Murtaza bowled out his spell with tidy figures of 4-0-23-0, though that drop might prove expensive. Afghanistan are 119/4 after 16 overs, with the partnership keeping them steady.

End of Over 15: Afghanistan 110/4

Over 15: 2 2 1 2 0 2

AFG: 110/4 | CRR: 7.33

Sediqullah Atal reaches his fifty! A fighting knock to anchor Afghanistan’s innings.

Atal brought up his third T20I half-century, all of them coming recently in the UAE, with a punch through extra cover. He’s now 50* off 41 balls, mixing patience with timely aggression. Omarzai supported well with quick running between the wickets, adding 8* off 6. Kinchit Shah tried to keep things tight but leaked 9 runs in the over. Afghanistan move to 110/4 after 15 overs, with Atal steering the ship.

End of Over 14: Afghanistan 101/4

Over 14: 1 1 1 1 1 1

AFG: 101/4 | CRR: 7.21

Tidy over from Yasim Murtaza, just six singles conceded.

Afghanistan kept the scoreboard ticking with steady singles as Atal (46* off 38) and Omarzai (3* off 3) worked the ball around. Murtaza varied his pace and length smartly, even getting a chance to dismiss Atal with a sharp return catch but couldn’t hold on. No boundaries in the over, but Afghanistan reach 101/4 after 14 overs, with Atal holding the innings together.

End of Over 13: Afghanistan 95/4

Over 13: 0 1 1 6 1 W

AFG: 95/4 | CRR: 7.30

Kinchit Shah strikes again! Gulbadin miscues and Afghanistan lose their fourth wicket.

Gulbadin Naib tried to go big but only managed height, with Yasim Murtaza completing a safe catch at extra cover. Earlier in the over, Sediqullah Atal showed his intent by launching a six over deep mid wicket, moving to 43 off 35 balls. Kinchit, however, had the last laugh with his clever variations, dismissing Naib for just 5. Afghanistan, despite Atal’s aggression, are now 95/4 after 13 overs.

End of Over 12: Afghanistan 86/3

Over 12: 1 0 0 1 0 1

AFG: 86/3 | CRR: 7.16

Yasim Murtaza applies the brakes with a tight, flight-filled over.

The left-arm spinner kept both Atal and Naib on a leash, mixing flight and arm-balls to good effect. Naib struggled for timing, while Atal managed a couple of singles to retain strike. Only three runs came from the over, and Hong Kong’s spinners continue to put a squeeze on Afghanistan’s middle order. At 86/3 after 12 overs, Afghanistan need to find a way to break free soon.

End of Over 11: Afghanistan 83/3

Over 11: W 2 1 2 1 0

AFG: 83/3 | CRR: 7.54

Kinchit Shah strikes right after the drinks break, removing Nabi for 33.

The change worked perfectly for Hong Kong as Nabi, looking to accelerate, mistimed a big hit and was caught at long off. Gulbadin Naib came in and managed a couple of runs to get going, while Atal survived a very close run-out chance on his way to 33. Shah’s steady first over not only produced a breakthrough but also kept the scoring in check. Afghanistan now find themselves three down at 83 after 11 overs.

End of Over 10: Afghanistan 77/2

Over 10: 1 1 0 1w 1 1 0

AFG: 77/2 | CRR: 7.70

Yasim Murtaza keeps it tight in his first over despite some nervy running between the wickets.

The left-arm spinner came on and immediately tested Afghanistan with his flight and subtle variations. Nabi and Atal rotated the strike, but there were a couple of moments of hesitation while running, including one close call that could have cost Atal his wicket. A wide added to the tally, but overall Murtaza gave little away. At the halfway stage, Afghanistan sit at 77/2, with Nabi anchoring at 33 and Atal playing a supporting role on 30.

End of Over 9: Afghanistan 72/2

Over 9: 4 1 0 1 4 1w 0

AFG: 72/2 | CRR: 8.00

Mohammad Nabi shifts gears again with two boundaries off Aizaz Khan.

After being kept quiet earlier, Nabi cashed in on Aizaz Khan’s looseness. He slapped a short, wide delivery over extra cover and later steered one deftly past short third for four. Atal picked up a single but was also beaten outside off. A wide and a mix-up in running added to Hong Kong’s frustration, though Nabi narrowly survived a run-out chance. Afghanistan reached 72/2 after nine overs, with Nabi looking fluent on 31 and Atal steady at the other end.

End of Over 8: Afghanistan 61/2

Over 8: 2 1 1lb 0 0 1

AFG: 61/2 | CRR: 7.62

Ehsan Khan tightens the screws with another controlled over.

Hong Kong’s most experienced spinner kept things steady, giving away just five runs. Nabi managed a couple of singles and a brace, while Atal added a leg bye, but boundaries dried up. The fielding was sharp too, cutting off potential scoring opportunities. After a burst of acceleration in the previous over, Afghanistan were kept in check at 61/2 after eight overs. Nabi is starting to anchor the innings while Atal has slowed down after his quick start.

End of Over 7: Afghanistan 56/2

Over 7: 1 1w 2 4 6 1 0

AFG: 56/2 | CRR: 8.00

Mohammad Nabi shifts gears with a four and a six off Aizaz Khan’s first over.

Afghanistan accelerated after the powerplay as Nabi, who was quiet early, broke free with a square drive and then lofted confidently over mid-off for six. Aizaz Khan’s slower balls didn’t quite stick, and despite a wide and some tidy dots, the over went for 15. Atal stayed watchful while Nabi moved into double figures briskly. Afghanistan now have the platform at 56/2 in 7 overs, with Nabi threatening to take charge of the middle overs.

End of Over 6: Afghanistan 41/2

Over 6: 2 0 0 1 0 1

AFG: 41/2 | CRR: 6.83

Ehsan Khan keeps things tight as Afghanistan finish the powerplay with two wickets down.

After Ayush Shukla’s early breakthrough, Ehsan Khan bowled a disciplined over to restrict the flow of runs. Mohammad Nabi found a couple through midwicket but was also beaten outside off, while Atal looked busy and collected a single. Afghanistan, despite losing Gurbaz and Zadran, scored at a healthy rate in the powerplay and reached 41/2 after six overs. Atal has played positively, striking five boundaries already, while Nabi is settling in at the other end.

End of Over 5: Afghanistan 37/2

Over 5: 1w 4 1 1 2 1 1

AFG: 37/2 | CRR: 7.40

Atal keeps the scoreboard moving with boundaries and rotation.

Sediqullah Atal continued to anchor Afghanistan’s innings, cracking a fine four through mid-off and rotating the strike smartly. Mohammad Nabi finally got off the mark, working ones into the gaps. Shukla leaked 11 runs in the over, including a wide, after his earlier tight spell. Afghanistan recover a bit after the early blows and move to 37/2 in 5 overs.

End of Over 4: Afghanistan 26/2

Over 4: 0 W 0 0 0 0

AFG: 26/2 | CRR: 6.50

Iqbal delivers a wicket-maiden!

Ateeq Iqbal bowled a superb over, striking with the dismissal of Ibrahim Zadran, who edged behind while poking away from his body. Keeper Zeeshan Ali took a sharp catch standing up to the stumps. Mohammad Nabi walked in much earlier than expected but struggled to get going, surviving nervy moments against Iqbal’s tight line and movement. Afghanistan suddenly under pressure at 26/2.

End of Over 3: Afghanistan 26/1

Over 3: 6 W 0 1 0 0

AFG: 26/1 | CRR: 8.66

Shukla strikes after being hit for a six!

Rahmanullah Gurbaz finally found some timing with a towering six over mid-off, but Ayush Shukla hit back immediately, dismissing him with extra bounce and movement. Nizakat Khan held on to a fine catch running back from mid-off. Ibrahim Zadran joined Atal and got off the mark with a single, while Atal was kept quiet by some tight bowling. Afghanistan move to 26/1 after a topsy-turvy third over.

End of Over 2: Afghanistan 19/0

Over 2: 1 0 4 1 0 1

AFG: 19/0 | CRR: 9.50

Steady over from Ateeq, but Atal keeps finding the gaps!

Rahmanullah Gurbaz got off the mark with a couple of singles, while Atal continued his aggressive intent, driving one past extra cover for four. Ateeq Iqbal kept things in check otherwise, mixing his lengths smartly, but Afghanistan remain in control with both openers settled and runs flowing early.

End of Over 1: Afghanistan 12/0

Over 1: 4 0 0 0 4 4

AFG: 12/0 | CRR: 12.00

Atal off to a flying start!

Sediqullah Atal wasted no time, cracking three boundaries in the opening over. He was given a life when the Hong Kong skipper dropped a regulation catch at slip off Shukla, and Atal made them pay immediately with two fours in the last two balls. Afghanistan are up and running briskly at 12 without loss.

Team Line-ups

Afghanistan and Hong Kong announce their Playing XIs for the 1st match of Group B.

Toss Update

Afghanistan win the toss and elect to bat first at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Rashid Khan, after winning the toss against Hong Kong’s captain Yasim Murtaza, opts to bat first, aiming to post a strong total and leverage their bowling attack. He believes batting first suits their strategy for this match, downplaying the toss’s significance in T20s. Rashid emphasizes focus on the present game, learning from the tri-series final loss to Pakistan, and confirms the inclusion of Gulbadin Naib in place of Darwish Rasooli, with the rest of the squad largely unchanged.

Pitch Report

The pitch at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium has 3.5mm of grass, offering assistance to bowlers if they hit the right areas.

Russel Arnold notes the pitch looks flat and unlikely to crumble, but Afghanistan’s spinners, with their quality, could pose a challenge. A score of around 180, the benchmark from the recent ILT20, is what Afghanistan might target before their bowlers take over.

Match Status

Match is about to begin.

Live scores and updates to follow as the 1st match of Group B in the Asia Cup 2025 kicks off shortly.