Asia Cup 2025: Afghanistan in deep trouble after losing two wickets in powerplay against Hong Kong

The Asia Cup 2025 opener witnessed a thrilling powerplay filled with boundaries, drama, and intensity as both teams set the tone for the tournament. Read the article to get more information.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Image Credit: ACB)

The much-awaited Asia Cup 2025 started with the Afghanistan vs Hong Kong clash on September 9 in Abu Dhabi. On winning the toss, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan quite confidently chose to bat first. However, after a brilliant start in the first over, Afghanistan's top order batters lost their control on the match and went on to lose two quick wickets in the powerplays.

Afghanistan's Sediqullah Atal hit a beautiful boundary on the very first ball of the match, making it a memorable start to the Asia Cup 2025. However, he didn't stop there, He went on to hit two more boundaries in the first over after being dropped on four runs. The shots which he played were pleasing to the eyes and the audience must have enjoyed the performance.

Having seen Atal from one end, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tried replicating the same intent. He smashed a terrific six in the third over before getting dismissed on just eight runs. Ayush Shukla bowled a fullish delivery and swings it away a bit which Gurbaz failed to catch. He tried to loft the ball but got it off the outer half. The ball went over mid-off directly to Nizakat Khan who was pumped to take the catch.

Also read: Asia Cup 2025: Captains speak out ahead of Afghanistan vs Hong Kong clash

In the next over, new batter Ibrahim Zadran faced a good length ball outside off by Ateeq Iqbal and tried to play a drive. However, the ball hit the outside edge and Zadran had to return back to the pavillion. It was a short stay for the batter despite being one of the best players in the team. Hong Kong would have taken a sign of relief after dismissing Zadran on just one run.

Afghanistan's solid start turned into a nightmare thanks to Hong Kong's beautiful bowling. After losing two back-to-back wickets, the batters are trying their best to set a partnership. As the game proceeds, it will be interesting to watch how the Afghanistan batters take the match forward from here.

Also read: IND vs UAE, Asia Cup 2025 Match 2: When and Where to Watch?

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