Asia Cup 2025 bought off to an eventful begin as Afghanistan confronted Hong Kong within the opening fixture of Group B on September 09 on the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Afghanistan batted first and posted a formidable 188 for six of their 20 overs, powered by Sediqullah Atal’s unbeaten 73 off 52 balls. Hong Kong’s reply started on a shaky notice underneath lights as they staggered to 23/4 of their powerplay chasing a goal of 189.
Anshuman Rath falls sufferer to his mind fade in opposition to Fazalhaq Farooqi
The highlight shortly turned to Hong Kong opener Anshuman Rath who fell sufferer to a uncommon mind fade in simply the second over. Fazalhaq Farooqi launched a back-of-a-length supply outdoors off stump that angled away late. Rath lunged ahead with out decisive footwork and edged a feather to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Though Rath hesitated, briefly considering a assessment, he in the end trudged again puzzled with out difficult the choice. Replays later revealed a sizeable hole between bat and ball, confirming a transparent non-edge that slipped by to Gurbaz. The incident handed Afghanistan the inroads they craved and left Rath with a golden duck in Asia Cup 2025’s very first contest.
Right here’s the video:
Golden duck drama, Rath falls early ❌#Asiacup2025 #Rath #Hongkong #starzplay pic.twitter.com/8c66S0GED8
— Cricket on STARZPLAY (@starzplaymasala) September 9, 2025
Additionally WATCH: Rahmanullah Gurbaz falls to Ayush Shukla proper after hitting him for an enormous six
Hong Kong’s wobbly begin in opposition to an enormous Afghanistan goal
Hong Kong’s chase tumbled additional shortly afterward when Zeeshan Ali supplied a easy catch to Mohammad Nabi off Azmatullah Omarzai for five. Nizakat Khan then fell to a direct hit from Rashid Khan’s sharp throw, leaving the vacationers reeling at 23/4 on the finish of the powerplay. With a required run fee north of 10 and Afghanistan’s bowlers brimming with confidence, Hong Kong face a monumental activity to chase down 189. Farooqi’s opening spell yielded 1 for 15 in two overs whereas Omarzai struck with the second ball of his first over, leaving the guests on the again foot early within the match.
Afghanistan’s balanced assault and sudden collapse in Hong Kong’s prime order arrange a tense evening underneath lights. The defending champions will look to tighten the screws and defend their wholesome win chance, whereas Hong Kong should regroup shortly to keep away from falling deeper into the outlet on this Group B opener of Asia Cup 2025.
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