Omarzai powers Afghanistan past Hong Kong with record T20I fifty

Afghanistan defeated Hong Kong by 94 runs in the inaugural match of men’s T20 Asia Cup with Azmatullah Omarzai starring with both bat and ball in testing conditions.

In searing 41-degree heat, Omarzai burned brighter than the conditions, scoring Afghanistan’s fastest T20I half-century. He reached the landmark in just 20 deliveries, including three sixes and a four in one over against Ayush Shukla.

His late surge helped Afghanistan close at 188 for 6, a total that proved out of reach for Hong Kong. Omarzai also delivered in the field, taking part in a run-out and claiming a wicket with the ball.

Sediqullah Atal anchored Afghanistan’s innings with 73 off 52 balls. The 24-year-old was dropped three times during his knock. Yasim Murtaza missed chances on 4 and 46, and Ehsan Khan spilled another after Atal had completed his half-century. Atal played confidently off both front and back foot and batted through the innings to give his side a strong platform.

Hong Kong enjoyed a brief period of control with spin. Murtaza and Kinchit Shah slowed the scoring between the 10th and 14th overs, conceding just 29 runs and taking two wickets. However, once the fast bowlers returned, Omarzai shifted the momentum with a range of strokes, from straight hits to ramps behind the wicket.

With the bat, Hong Kong faltered early. Anshy Rath was ruled caught behind for zero, though replays showed no contact. Non-striker Zeeshan Ali appeared to dissuade Rath from reviewing the decision.

Soon after, Rashid Khan ran out captain Nizakat Khan without facing a ball. Omarzai added another run-out, dismissing Kalhan Challu for 4.

Hong Kong slipped to 63 for 6 and focused on batting out the overs. They finished at 94 for 9, equaling the joint-second most wickets lost in the powerplay in tournament history.

Only two batters reached double figures, and none scored at a run-a-ball pace.

Afghanistan’s 188 proved 94 runs too many, underscoring the gap between a Full Member side and an Associate nation in T20 cricket.