Kinchit Shah (R) runs between the wickets during the Asia Cup match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. (AP) Afghanistan secured a commanding 94-run victory over Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opener at Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, powered by explosive fifties from Sediqullah Atal (73 not out) and Azmatullah Omarzai (53), followed by a disciplined bowling performance that restricted Hong Kong to 94 for nine while chasing 189.Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 188 for six after choosing to bat first, with Atal crafting an unbeaten 73 off 52 balls and Omarzai smashing 53 off just 21 deliveries.The Afghan bowlers dominated the defence with Fazalhaq Farooqi taking 2/16 and Gulbadin Naib claiming 2/8, effectively ending Hong Kong’s hopes of a successful chase.Hong Kong’s innings crumbled early as they lost four wickets in the powerplay, managing only 23 runs during this crucial phase.Their chase was further hampered by two run-outs, with both Nizakat Khan and Kalhan Challu falling victim to poor judgment between the wickets. It extended Hong Kong’s dismal record between the wickets since start of last year where they’ve recorded 34 runs outs, highest among the 103 teams that play T20I cricket and 12 clear of the next most.Like today’s two, 29 of the run outs have come between players who bat in the top seven.Anshuman Rath’s early dismissal in the second ball of the innings proved costly, as he edged Farooqi’s delivery to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz while attempting an aggressive drive.Hong Kong’s batting lineup struggled against Afghanistan’s experienced bowling attack after losing their top four batters cheaply. Babar Hayat’s 39 off 43 balls was the only notable contribution.Earlier, Atal and Omarzai demonstrated excellent judgment of the pitch conditions, carefully selecting their moments to attack while building their innings.Mohammad Nabi contributed 33 off 26 balls, briefly showing his power-hitting abilities against Aizaz Khan before falling to Kinchit Shah while attempting a big shot.Shah’s clever use of under-cutters proved effective against the usually aggressive Afghan batters, making it difficult for them to score freely or find singles.Atal received a lifeline when on 51 as Ehsan Khan dropped a straightforward catch at short third man off Yasim Murtaza’s bowling.The partnership between Atal and Omarzai produced 82 runs for the fifth wicket, with Omarzai particularly severe on Ayush Shukla in the 19th over, hitting three consecutive sixes followed by a boundary.Atal targeted Ateeq Iqbal in the 17th over, hitting two sixes and a four to help Afghanistan gather crucial runs in the death overs. The team managed to score 78 runs in the final five overs.Hong Kong’s fielding deteriorated in the latter stages of the innings, with both set batters benefiting from dropped catches.Most run out dismissals since 2024 (in T20Is):
- 34 – Hong Kong
- 22 – Bahrain
- 21 – Malawi
- 21 – Pakistan
- 20 – Hungary, Rwanda
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