Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi – September 11 marks the start of Bangladesh’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign, as Litton Das’ side take on Hong Kong in Match 3 of the tournament. While Bangladesh arrive on the back of a strong run of form in bilateral series, Hong Kong are licking their wounds after a 94-run thrashing at the hands of Afghanistan in the tournament opener.
This clash presents contrasting scenarios: the Tigers see an opportunity to settle into the tournament before sterner tests against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan later in the group stage, while Hong Kong are desperate for redemption to keep their hopes alive.
Bangladesh’s Asia Cup Story: Promise Without Silverware
The Asia Cup has long been a bittersweet journey for Bangladesh. The Tigers have reached three finals (2012, 2016, 2018) but have never managed to cross the finishing line, often running into the might of India or Sri Lanka at the summit clash.
Litton Das now shoulders the responsibility of rewriting that narrative. Appointed full-time skipper for a major continental event for the first time, the wicketkeeper-batter brings calmness at the top alongside tactical awareness behind the stumps. With a blend of experienced heads like Mustafizur Rahman and exciting youngsters like Tanzid Hasan, Bangladesh’s squad looks balanced and battle-ready.
Team Preparation And Confidence
Bangladesh enter this tournament riding a wave of momentum. They beat Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands in successive series, with their batting order showing renewed intent and their bowling attack gaining variety.
At the trophy unveiling earlier this week in Dubai, Litton Das hinted at a side brimming with confidence:
“We haven’t yet tasted a championship, but history is there to be broken. All teams are strong and challenges will come, but we’re in a good space after a long camp. We’ll give our hundred percent.”
Hong Kong’s Reality Check
For Hong Kong, the Asia Cup began on a sour note. Chasing 189 against Afghanistan, they folded for just 94/9 with only two batters reaching double digits. While Babar Hayat’s brave 39 (with three sixes) offered a glimpse of resistance, the fragility of their batting lineup was brutally exposed.
Captain Yasim Murtaza now has the task of rallying his side quickly. Their bowlers, especially veterans like Ehsan Khan and Aizaz Khan, must step up to contain Bangladesh’s aggressive top order.
Key Player Battles To Watch
- Litton Das vs Ehsan Khan
Bangladesh’s skipper is in fine touch, but Ehsan Khan’s 127 wickets in T20Is make him Hong Kong’s trump card. If Ehsan strikes early, Hong Kong could slow down Bangladesh’s powerplay charge. - Babar Hayat vs Mustafizur Rahman
Hayat showcased his six-hitting in the opener, but facing the “Fizz” with his cutters and death-over mastery is a different challenge. This duel could define Hong Kong’s batting fortunes. - Tanzid Hasan vs Ayush Shukla
Fearless Tanzid often looks for boundaries straight down the ground, but Shukla’s swing can test him. Whoever wins this mini-battle could set the tone of the innings.
Head-To-Head Record
Bangladesh and Hong Kong have met only once in T20Is — during the 2014 World Cup. In that historic game, Hong Kong stunned Bangladesh by two wickets, a reminder that no side can be taken lightly in this format.
Pitch & Weather Report – Sheikh Zayed Stadium
Abu Dhabi’s surface usually offers something for everyone. The new ball can grip, spinners enjoy bounce, but once batters get in, runs flow quickly. Chasing under lights has historically been easier here, so captains might opt to bowl first.
The weather is expected to be warm and dry, with little chance of interruptions.
Squads
Bangladesh: Litton Das (c & wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin.
Hong Kong: Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat, Zeeshan Ali, Nizakat Khan, Anshuman Rath, Kalhan Challu, Martin Coetzee, Ayush Shukla, Mohammad Aizaz Khan, Ehsan Khan, Ateeq Iqbal, Kinchit Shah, Shahid Wasif, Nasrulla Rana, Ali Hassan, Ghazanfar Mohammad, Mohammad Waheed.
Statistical Preview & Key Records
- At Sheikh Zayed Stadium (Bangladesh players):
- Taskin Ahmed – 2 wickets in 4 overs at an economy of 4.50
- Nasum Ahmed – 2 wickets in 2 innings
- Litton Das – 33 runs in two matches
- At Sheikh Zayed Stadium (Hong Kong players):
- Babar Hayat – 197 runs in 7 matches (best 65*, avg 32.83)
- Nizakat Khan – 190 runs in 11 outings (SR 113.09) + 3 wickets vs BAN in 2014
- Aizaz Khan – 10 wickets in 11 innings (best 3/22)
Milestones in sight:
- Litton Das needs 1 six to become Bangladesh’s leading six-hitter in T20Is (78).
- Towhid Hridoy requires 91 runs to reach 1000 T20I runs.
- Taskin Ahmed is 6 wickets away from the 100-wicket mark in T20Is.
- Babar Hayat is 27 runs short of becoming Hong Kong’s all-time leading T20I run-scorer.
Probable Playing XIs
Bangladesh: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Saif Hassan, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain.
Hong Kong: Yasim Murtaza (c), Zeeshan Ali (wk), Nizakat Khan, Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Ehsan Khan, Kalhan Challu, Ayush Shukla, Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Ateeq Iqbal.
Prediction: Bangladesh Favorites, But Beware The Past
On paper, Bangladesh are overwhelming favorites — their form, balance, and depth make them a formidable side. Yet, history remembers Hong Kong’s 2014 upset. For Litton Das and company, the challenge will be to avoid complacency and deliver a statement win.
For Hong Kong, pride and survival are on the line. If Babar Hayat fires and their bowlers hit their marks, they could make it interesting. But anything less than a clinical Bangladesh victory would be a major surprise.
