Afghanistan flexed their muscles in the 2025 Asia Cup Men’s T20 opener against minnows Hong Kong. The Rashid Khan-led side packed a punch to claim a solid 94-run win over Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on September 9. As per Cricbuzz, this 94-run win is now the 3rd-biggest among teams in the Asia Cup (T20 format) by runs.
Afghanistan win by 94 runs
Afghanistan scored 188/6 in 20 overs. The in-form Sediqullah Atal smashed a sparking 73 runs upfront. His 52-ball effort had three sixes and six fours. Azmatullah Omarzai’s powerful 21-ball 53 helped the Afghans rally on and get past 180. Omarzai hit 5 sixes and 2 fours.
Thereafter, the Afghans restricted Hong Kong to 94/9. Babar Hayat was the only batter with substance. He hit a composed 39. Yasim Murtaza (16) was the only other player to get to double digits.
Afghanistan’s stupendous bowling unit made the difference. Fazalhaq Farooqi picked 2/16 from 3 overs. Gulbadin Naib managed 2/8 from three overs. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad bowled 8 overs in total and picked 2/40.
Pakistan and India are ahead of Afghanistan in terms of victory margins (by runs)
The record for the biggest victory margin in Men’s T20 Asia Cup (by runs) belongs to Pakistan, who beat Hong Kong by 155 runs in the 2022 edition of the tournament. The match was held in Sharjah.
India’s 101-run win over Afghanistan in the 2022 edition is the 2nd-biggest victory margin (by runs). The match was held in Dubai.
Biggest victory margins in Men’s T20 Asia Cup (by runs)
- 155 runs – Pakistan vs Hong Kong, Sharjah, 2022
- 101 runs – India vs Afghanistan, Dubai, 2022
- 94 runs – Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, 2025
- 71 runs – UAE vs Oman, Mirpur, 2016
- 66 runs – Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Mirpur, 2016
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