Hong Kong's Ateeq Iqbal made history on the opening day of Asia Cup 2025 against Afghanistan at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The right-arm medium pacer, 33 years of age, became a member of an exclusive band of bowlers that includes India's Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Pakistan's Mohammad Amir and Shahnawaz Dahani by bowling a wicket-maiden over within the powerplay of a T20 Asia Cup match. Ateeq struck in the fourth over of the innings, getting Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran for a mere 1. His defensive line and disciplined bowling not only gave Hong Kong a breakthrough but also created pressure, reducing Afghanistan's scoring rate early on. The wicket-maiden joined the elite list of bowlers to have achieved this feat in the tournament. Wicket-Maiden in 1-6 Overs in Asia Cup (T20) Bowler Team Against Venue Year Mohammad Amir Pakistan UAE Mirpur 2016 Bhuvneshwar Kumar India UAE Mirpur 2016 Shahnawaz Dahani Pakistan Hong Kong Sharjah 2022 Ateeq Iqbal Hong Kong Afghanistan Abu Dhabi 2025 Also Read | Watch: Suryakumar Yadav Warns Pakistan Ahead of Asia Cup 2025 Clash Afghanistan Struggles After Early Breakthroughs Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan had previously won the toss and decided to bat first, with a view towards posting a fighting total. However, the strategy backfired almost immediately, as the side fell to 26-2 inside the first four overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was driven back early by Ayush Shukla, while Zadran's fall at the hands of Ateeq Iqbal dealt another blow. The innings steadied somewhat when Sadiqullah Atal and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi added 51 runs off 41 deliveries. Their partnership boosted the morale of Afghanistan, but the momentum was short-lived. Immediately after the drinks interval, Nabi was dismissed by Hong Kong's part-time bowler Kinchit Shah for 33, which brought an end to the promising innings. Kinchit Shah then tightened his hold further over Hong Kong by getting rid of Gulbadin Naib at a cheap price for 5 in his next over. With wickets tumbling around him, Atal had to fight single-handedly as Afghanistan struggled to take the score forward. After 14 overs, the Afghan team was struggling hard at 101, still looking for a decent total. Ateeq Iqbal's work in the powerplay will be recollected as one of the turning points of the game and demonstrated the way Hong Kong bowlers were able to get Afghanistan on the back foot at the beginning of the tournament opener.