5.bxa6 White fully accepts the Benko gambit. It is the most direct approach. From a6 the bishop pressures White's e-pawn: should they move it, e.g. 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4, Black is very happy to play 7...Bxf1 8. Kxf1 and prevent White from castling. However, there is no urgency to recapture the pawn (Black has three attackers and can bring another with ...Qa5+).

22...Nxe6 has the idea of Nd4 where it is immune to immediate capture.

I was surprised 26.Qc4 moved down the line of the pin just to prevent my Nd5. I became optimistic here thinking I could get the pawn back. Stockfish disagrees. I was in a little bit of time trouble.

29.Bxc5 threatens Nh7.

37.Qg5 is rather awkward for me meet.

The last few moves were offered continuations in a hopeless position. Ali shows good technique to finish it all off. I played him several times, he sent a nice letter. I enjoyed the game.