Bangladesh Vs Hong Kong, Asia Cup 2025: Sheikh Zayed Stadium Pitch Report, T20I Stats And Records

The Asia Cup 2025 continues with a crucial Group B clash between Bangladesh and Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, September 11. This encounter holds significant weight for both sides – for Bangladesh, it’s about asserting their authority and building early momentum, while Hong Kong aims to bounce back after a disappointing loss in their tournament opener.

Bangladesh’s Resurgence and Litton Das’ Leadership

Led by Litton Das, Bangladesh enter the Asia Cup with wind in their sails, having strung together three consecutive T20I series wins. Notably, they registered historic series victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka – two milestones that showcase the Tigers’ steady rise in T20 cricket.

Now ranked 10th in the ICC T20I standings, Bangladesh are more confident than ever. The squad boasts a mix of explosive youth and seasoned campaigners, and Litton’s attacking approach from the top sets the tone.

In-form Batting Order:

Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon bring left-handed firepower to the top order.
Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali are vital middle and lower-order finishers, capable of launching death-over carnage.
Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy offer stability and aggression in equal measure.

Bowling Attack to Watch:

Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib will spearhead the new-ball attack.
Mustafizur Rahman, with his variations and yorkers, remains the go-to bowler in crunch moments.
Mahedi Hasan, the spin-bowling all-rounder, has been Bangladesh’s powerplay enforcer – economical and dangerous.

This well-rounded unit makes Bangladesh one of the dark horses for the 2025 Asia Cup title.

Hong Kong’s Struggles and Road to Redemption

Led by Yasim Murtaza, Hong Kong faced a rough start to their campaign, losing their first match to Afghanistan. Their bowling was wayward, their fielding sloppy, and they lacked firepower with the bat.

However, they’ll take inspiration from their famous win over Bangladesh in the 2014 T20 World Cup, where they stunned the cricketing world in Chattogram.

Key Player – Babar Hayat:

The veteran batter remains the linchpin of Hong Kong’s top order.
He top-scored in their loss to Afghanistan and will need to shoulder the run-scoring responsibilities again.

Issues to Address:

Their medium-pace attack leaked runs in the death overs.
Spinners struggled for control and breakthroughs despite Abu Dhabi aiding turn.
They will need tighter lines, better fielding, and intelligent match-ups to contain Bangladesh’s batting depth.

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Pitch Report

The Abu Dhabi surface is known for being fairly balanced, offering something for everyone:

Early Overs:

Seamers get help with bounce and swing.
Batters need to be cautious during the powerplay.

Middle Overs:

Spinners come into play as the pitch grips.
Batting becomes easier once set; stroke makers can find the gaps.

Dew Factor:

Evening dew can neutralize spinners.
Teams prefer chasing, as the wet ball skids and makes bowling tough.

Sheikh Zayed Stadium – T20I Records

Total matches: 91
Batting first wins: 42
Bowling first wins: 49
Average 1st innings score: 136
Average 2nd innings score: 123
Highest total: 225/7 by Ireland vs Afghanistan
Lowest total: 54 by USA Women vs Thailand Women
Highest chase: 174/2 by South Africa vs Ireland
Lowest defended: 93/8 by Thailand Women vs PNG Women

Probable XIs:

Bangladesh:

Litton Das (c)
Tanzid Hasan
Parvez Hossain Emon
Towhid Hridoy
Shamim Hossain
Jaker Ali (wk)
Mahedi Hasan
Taskin Ahmed
Tanzim Hasan Sakib
Mustafizur Rahman
Rishad Hossain

Hong Kong:

Yasim Murtaza (c)
Aryan Sharma
Babar Hayat
Aizaz Khan
Anshuman Rath
Nizakat Khan
Haroon Arshad
Ehsan Khan
Nasrulla Rana
Ayush Shukla
Ghazanfar Mohammad

Key Battles to Watch

1. Babar Hayat vs Mustafizur Rahman

Hayat’s ability to handle pace and variations will be tested against Fizz’s slow cutters and yorkers.

2. Parvez Hossain Emon vs Nasrulla Rana

The aggressive left-hander will look to dominate Hong Kong’s pace early, especially against inconsistent new-ball spells.

3. Mahedi Hasan vs Nizakat Khan

Mahedi’s tight off-spin against Hong Kong’s middle order could build pressure and force errors

Match Prediction

Based on form, momentum, and squad depth, Bangladesh are clear favourites to win this clash. However, if Hong Kong’s top order can bat deep and their bowlers apply mid-innings pressure, we could be in for a tighter contest than expected.

Toss Prediction: Team winning the toss should bowl first due to dew.

Predicted Result: Bangladesh to win by 6–8 wickets or 30–40 runs depending on the toss.