gradientz.com – Global Reports & Smart Opinions

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.

Azmatullah Omarzai's explosive fifty off just 20 balls propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total against Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opener. Omarzai's record-breaking innings, surpassing Mohammad Nabi's previous best, helped Afghanistan score 78 runs in the final five overs. Poor fielding from Hong Kong, including multiple dropped catches, further aided Afghanistan's late-innings surge.

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.

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.