Afghanistan crushed Hong Kong by 94 runs in the opening match of the AFC Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 189, Hong Kong were restricted to 94/9. Babar Hayat top-scored with 39 runs, while Fazalhaq Farooqi bagged 2/16 and Gulbadin Naib claimed 2/8. Two other Afghan bowlers, including captain Rashid Khan, bagged a wicket each.

Earlier, opener Sediqullah Atal scored a 52-ball 73 and Azmatullah smashed a 21-ball 53 to power Afghanistan to 188/6 in 20 overs. Ayush Shukla and Kinchit Shah bagged two wickets each for Hong Kong.

Afghanistan are in Group B, which also comprises Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Group A is made up of World Champions India, Pakistan, Oman and the hosts, the UAE.

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Suryakumar Yadav-led India begin their campaign against the UAE in Dubai on Wednesday.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 188/6 in 20 overs (Sediqullah Atal 73, Azmatullah 53, Nabi 33, Kinchit Shah 2/24, Ayush Shukla 2/54) bt Hong Kong 94/9 in 20 overs (Babar Hayat 39, Gulbadin Naib 2/8, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2/16)

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