Atal, Omarzai Build Decisive Partnership

ABU DHABI: Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai propelled Afghanistan to a commanding score against Hong Kong in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 opener at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to their explosive half-centuries.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan capitalized, amassing 188/6 in their 20 overs.

Afghanistan faced an initial setback, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (eight) and Ibrahim Zadran (one) early, with only 26 runs on the scoreboard within three overs.

Mohammad Nabi then partnered with Atal, establishing a 51-run recovery for the third wicket.

Nabi, who led the charge in the stand, was dismissed by Kinchit Shah at the start of the 11th over, scoring 33 from 26 balls, including three boundaries and a six.

Atal and Gulbadin Naib (five) added 18 runs before Shah struck again, reducing Afghanistan to 95/4 in 13 overs.

Omarzai then accelerated Afghanistan’s innings with a rapid half-century.

His partnership of 82 runs with Atal for the fifth wicket came in just 35 balls. Omarzai scored 53 off 21 deliveries, hitting two fours and five sixes, before being dismissed by Ayush Shukla late in the innings.

Atal remained unbeaten with 73 runs off 52 balls, including six fours and three sixes, leading Afghanistan’s batting performance.

For Hong Kong, Shukla and Shah claimed two wickets each, while Ateeq Iqbal and Ehsan Khan secured one wicket apiece.