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Azmatullah Omarzai set a new record with the fastest fifty by an Afghanistan batter in T20Is. His explosive innings helped Afghanistan dominate Hong Kong in the opening match of Asia Cup 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

Afghanistan started their Asia Cup campaign strongly, defeating Hong Kong by 94 runs. Sediqullah Atal's unbeaten 73 and Azmatullah Omarzai's quickfire 53 propelled Afghanistan to 188/6. Hong Kong's chase crumbled under the pressure of Afghanistan's disciplined bowling attack, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib, ultimately restricting them to just 94/9.

Afghanistan begin their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong, entering as a dark horse title contenders. Their strength lies in a formidable spin attack led by Rashid Khan, but they face batting challenges with inconsistent performances and limited match practice compared to other participating nations. Despite recent struggles, Ibrahim Zadran has emerged as a batting positive for the team.

Asia Cup 2025: After their success in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan have evolved from being mere challengers to genuine contenders for the ACC Asia Men's T20 Cup, which begins on September 9.

Mohammad Nawaz became the first Pakistani spinner to claim a hat-trick in men's T20Is during the UAE tri-series final. His spell led Pakistan to a commanding 75-run victory over Afghanistan, boosting their Asia Cup prospects.

Afghanistan secured a thrilling 4-run victory over UAE in the Sharjah tri-series, giving them more momentum before the grand finale against Pakistan on September 7.

Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal's consecutive half-centuries propelled Afghanistan to an 18-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 tri-series. Afghanistan's spin trio restricted Pakistan to 151 for 9, successfully defending their total of 169 for 5. Despite Mohammad Haris's late flourish, Afghanistan's early dominance with both bat and ball secured the win.

Rashid Khan etched his name in T20I history, becoming the highest wicket-taker as Afghanistan defeated UAE by 38 runs. Khan's 3/21 restricted UAE to 150/8, surpassing Tim Southee's record. Afghanistan posted 188/4, fueled by Ibrahim Zadran's 63 and Sediqullah Atal's 54. Despite Muhammad Waseem's 67, UAE faltered. This victory marks Afghanistan's comeback in the tri-series after losing to Pakistan.

Afghanistan secured a 38-run win over the UAE in the T20I tri-series in Sharjah. Rashid Khan set a new record as the highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals, boosting team morale after an earlier loss to Pakistan.

Afghanistan's cricket captain, Rashid Khan, faced a personal tragedy with the recent passing of his elder brother, Haji Abdul Halim Shinwari. Despite his grief, Rashid led his team in the ongoing tri-series in Sharjah, receiving heartfelt support from the cricketing community. The Pakistan team paid their respects, and condolences poured in from teammates and former captain Asghar Afghan.

Pakistan began their Asia Cup preparations with a confident 39-run victory over Afghanistan in Sharjah. Salman Agha laid the platform with a 53-run knock, after which Haris Rauf picked up four wickets.