Asia Cup 2025 got off to an eventful start as Afghanistan faced Hong Kong in the opening fixture of Group B on September 09 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Afghanistan batted first and posted a formidable 188 for 6 in their 20 overs, powered by Sediqullah Atal’s unbeaten 73 off 52 balls. Hong Kong’s reply began on a shaky note under lights as they staggered to 23/4 in their powerplay chasing a target of 189.
Anshuman Rath falls victim to his brain fade against Fazalhaq Farooqi
The spotlight quickly turned to Hong Kong opener Anshuman Rath who fell victim to a rare brain fade in just the second over. Fazalhaq Farooqi launched a back-of-a-length delivery outside off stump that angled away late. Rath lunged forward without decisive footwork and edged a feather to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Although Rath hesitated, briefly contemplating a review, he ultimately trudged back puzzled without challenging the decision. Replays later revealed a sizeable gap between bat and ball, confirming a clear non-edge that slipped through 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.
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
Also WATCH: Rahmanullah Gurbaz falls to Ayush Shukla right after hitting him for a huge six
Hong Kong’s wobbly start against a huge Afghanistan target
Hong Kong’s chase tumbled further shortly afterward when Zeeshan Ali offered a simple catch to Mohammad Nabi off Azmatullah Omarzai for 5. Nizakat Khan then fell to a direct hit from Rashid Khan’s sharp throw, leaving the tourists reeling at 23/4 at the end of the powerplay. With a required run rate north of 10 and Afghanistan’s bowlers brimming with confidence, Hong Kong face a monumental task to chase down 189. Farooqi’s opening spell yielded 1 for 15 in two overs while Omarzai struck with the second ball of his first over, leaving the visitors on the back foot early in the match.
Afghanistan’s balanced attack and sudden collapse in Hong Kong’s top order set up a tense night under lights. The defending champions will look to tighten the screws and protect their healthy win probability, while Hong Kong must regroup quickly to avoid falling deeper into the hole in this Group B opener of Asia Cup 2025.
