Afghanistan began its campaign at the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup with a commanding 94-run victory over Hong Kong on Tuesday, powered by a record-setting innings from Azmatullah Omarzai and a composed knock by Sediqullah Atal.
Captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bat, but Afghanistan stumbled early, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8) and Ibrahim Zadran (1). Atal steadied the innings with an unbeaten 73, anchoring a 51-run partnership with veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi (33).
Omarzai then seized control of the match, blasting 53 runs from just 21 balls — reaching his half-century in 20 deliveries, the fastest in Afghanistan’s T20 international history. His innings, which included five sixes, propelled Afghanistan to 188 for 6.
In defense, left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi struck in the opening over, and Omarzai soon added another wicket to leave Hong Kong reeling at 12 for 2. Afghanistan’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, dismissing Hong Kong for 94 in the final over.
Atal was named Game Changer for his steady 73 not out, while Omarzai swept the other awards, including Player of the Match, for his explosive batting and economical spell of 1 wicket for 4 runs in two overs.
The game also marked a milestone for opener Ibrahim Zadran, who played his 50th T20 international. Though he managed just one run, Zadran has been a mainstay in the lineup, with more than 1,300 career runs and 10 half-centuries.
Afghanistan will face Bangladesh in its second group match on Tuesday, Sept. 16, after a six-day break.
