Omarzai smashed 53 off just 20 balls, including five towering sixes, to register Afghanistan’s fastest T20 fifty. He combined with opener Sediqullah Atal, who made the most of three dropped chances to score an unbeaten 73 from 52 deliveries, as Afghanistan piled up 188-6.

In reply, Hong Kong faltered against both pace and spin, crawling to 94-9. Babar Hayat (39) and skipper Yasim Murtaza (16) were the only batters to reach double figures. Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Fazalhaq Farooqi (2-16) striking early, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad tightening the middle overs, and Gulbadin Naib (2-8) finishing strongly.

The game was effectively sealed in the powerplay. Farooqi’s delivery led to a controversial caught-behind of Anshy Rath, who surprisingly didn’t review despite replays showing no edge. Rashid Khan’s direct hit and Omarzai’s sharp follow-through run-out further dismantled Hong Kong, who slumped to 22-4 inside five overs.

Also Read: Aryna Sabalenka secures fourth Grand Slam title with US Open win

Despite some sloppy Afghan fielding — three dropped catches — the spinners choked the scoring rate, conceding just 44 runs in 10 overs. Karim Janat redeemed a missed sitter with a stunning diving catch in the deep.

Earlier, Afghanistan had been 119-4 in the 16th over before Omarzai’s fireworks in the death overs added 69 runs from the final four. His audacious ramp shots and three consecutive sixes off Ayush Shukla lit up the innings before he holed out attempting another big hit.

Afghanistan, coming off a collapse for 66 in the tri-series final against Pakistan, bounced back in style and now sit firmly in contention for a Super 4 spot alongside Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Group B.