Ban VS HK: Bangladesh opens Asia Cup against struggling Hong Kong

ABU DHABI: As Bangladesh begins their 2025 Asia Cup campaign, they are riding high on the back of three consecutive T20I series wins. The Tigers will be eager to start their Group B clash Ban VS HK, in Abu Dhabi against Hong Kong with a bang, and all signs point to an aggressive approach, especially with the bat.

Also read: Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan-India match faces possible cancellation

With a well-oiled pace attack and a batting lineup finally finding its stride in the power-hitting department, Bangladesh will be the favorites going into the match. However, they will be mindful of Hong Kong’s surprising 2014 victory over them in the T20 World Cup, when the minnows triumphed by just two wickets in Chittagong. Though Hong Kong have only two players from that iconic win still in the squad, they’ve had limited exposure to Full Member nations, having played just 11 matches in the last decade against top-tier sides.

HONG KONG SEEK TO RECREATE 2014 MAGIC

Hong Kong’s task won’t be easy, especially after their heavy loss to Afghanistan in the tournament opener. In that game, their bowlers, especially the pacers, leaked runs, and despite a brief fight-back by spinners Ehsan Khan, Yasim Murtaza, and Kinchit Shah, Afghanistan still managed to post a hefty total of 188.

With the bat, Hong Kong’s chase was equally underwhelming. Their top six crumbled under pressure, with only one player reaching double figures, as they limped to a paltry 94 for 9 in 20 overs. The team will be hoping for an individual spark to counter the formidable Bangladesh side.

BANGLADESH READY TO FIRE IN POWERPLAY AND DEATH OVERS

The Tigers, meanwhile, are expected to come out with an aggressive mindset, particularly in the first ten overs. This is where they have excelled recently, thanks to a potent pace attack led by Taskin Ahmed. Offspinner Mahedi Hasan has made a name for himself in powerplay situations, while Mustafizur Rahman is likely to take charge during the death overs, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib adding further depth. Legspinner Rishad Hossain could also play a key role early in the innings.

Batting-wise, Bangladesh has become a much more formidable side, especially with the power-hitting prowess of openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon. Over the last year, both have been clearing boundaries with ease, and they’ll be hoping to give their side a fast start. In the latter overs, the finishing abilities of Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali will be crucial.

LOOK OUT FOR TANZID HASAN AND BABAR HAYAT

Tanzid Hasan has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in T20 cricket, with his attacking style taking the game to the opposition from the first over. His free-flowing shots and powerful hitting are likely to set the tone for Bangladesh. If he and Emon can get off to a solid start, Bangladesh will be hard to stop.

Also read: Asia Cup: Pakistan-India match must go on, rules Indian SC

For Hong Kong, the experienced Babar Hayat remains their most consistent batter. Despite being stranded at the crease in their opening loss to Afghanistan, Hayat’s 39 runs, including three sixes, were a bright spot. He will need to play a pivotal role for Hong Kong, especially against Full Member teams, and if he can anchor the innings, he might provide the spark the team desperately needs.