Afghanistan began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in style, thrashing Hong Kong by 94 runs in their opening match. The victory came just days after former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan had questioned Afghanistan’s fragile batting following their collapse for just 66 runs against Pakistan in the UAE Tri-Series final. But this time, Afghanistan’s batters—led by Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Umarzai—answered in emphatic fashion, proving Irfan’s doubts wrong.

What Irfan Pathan Said Earlier
After Afghanistan’s batting debacle against Pakistan, Irfan Pathan tweeted that the team looked like it was “playing with one batsman less” and needed to strengthen its batting depth. He felt their abundance of bowling options might help in the short run but could hurt in the long term.

Atal and Umarzai’s Heroics Against Hong Kong
In reply to those doubts, Afghanistan’s batting clicked against Hong Kong.

• Sediqullah Atal scored an unbeaten 73 runs off 52 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes.

• Azmatullah Umarzai played a blistering cameo of 53 runs in just 21 balls, smashing 2 fours and 5 sixes.

Together, their knocks powered Afghanistan to 188/6 in 20 overs. Hong Kong never looked in control during the chase, finishing at just 94/9, handing Afghanistan a dominant win.

Irfan Pathan Becomes a Fan of Atal
Impressed by the young opener’s innings, Irfan Pathan praised Sediqullah Atal after the match. He posted that despite being early in his career, Atal carries huge expectations and will prove to be a key asset for Afghanistan’s future.

The Batsman Who Hit 7 Sixes in an Over
Sediqullah Atal is no stranger to explosive batting feats. In the 2023 Kabul Premier League, playing for Shaheen Hunters, he smashed 7 sixes in a single over against Abasin Defenders’ spinner Aamir Zazai. That over produced 48 runs, equalling Ruturaj Gaikwad’s world record.