Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai Break Pakistan’s Historic Asia Cup Record
Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai set a new Asia Cup fifth-wicket record, surpassing Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik.
Afghanistan’s Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai scripted history in the opening match of Asia Cup 2025, setting a new record for the highest fifth-wicket partnership in T20 Asia Cup history.
The duo added 82 runs, surpassing the previous mark of 70 runs held by Pakistan’s Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik from 2016.
Atal remained unbeaten on 73 off 52 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes, while Omarzai made a blazing 53 off just 21 balls, including five sixes and two boundaries, registering the fastest fifty by an Afghan batter in T20Is. Their effort propelled Afghanistan to a total of 188/6 in 20 overs.
Mohammad Nabi also played a key role, contributing 33 runs off 26 balls with three fours and a six to help stabilize the innings.
For Hong Kong, Ayush Shukla and Kinchit Shah took two wickets each, trying to restrict Afghanistan’s strong batting lineup. Rashid Khan had won the toss and elected to bat first, giving his side the advantage early on.
Afghanistan’s record partnership set the tone for a commanding win over Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi, with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka completing Group B in the Asia Cup 2025.
