Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, Asia Cup 2025: Bangladesh take on Hong Kong as Litton Das won the toss and decided to bowl first in their Asia Cup 2025 campaign opener at the Sheikh Zayed stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 11.
What did the captains say after the toss?
Right after winning the toss, Bangladesh skipper Litton Das said:
"We'll bowl first. First game for us, don't know how the pitch will behave so looking to bowl. Have played very good cricket in the last three series but these are different conditions. Three seamers, two spinners and six batters. Every game is important for us. Have to give 100 percent."
Meanwhile, Hong Kong captain Yasim Murtaza, after losing the toss, said:
"Wanted to bat first. We got what we wanted. Made few mistakes in the middle with the batters in the last game. Whatever has happened has happened in the past. New day today."
Bangladesh's Playing XI:
Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das(w/c), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Hong Kong's Playing XI:
Zeeshan Ali(w), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Kalhan Challu, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza(c), Aizaz Khan, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal
Pitch Report
"It's a pitch that's been played on and it looks very dry. The cracks have opened up a bit. It's had good watering and rolling over the last two days. Ball will slide on. Don't think there will be much in the wicket to help the bowlers. Need to use the wind to your advantage," Bazid Khan and Russell Arnold analysed the pitch.
Bangladesh would like to munch on the winning momentum, having won consecutive T20I series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. Their impressive form makes them strong contenders to qualify for the Super 4 stage from Group B.
Despite their recent success, Bangladesh face a challenge in Hong Kong, who will be looking to capitalise on their historical advantage. While Hong Kong began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a disappointing loss to Afghanistan, they will be confident against the Bangla Tigers especially considering their head-to-head record. The two teams have only met once in a T20I, back in 2014, with Hong Kong securing a crucial two-wicket victory. However, a lot has changed since that 2014 encounter. The Litton Das-led Bangladesh team will be eager to settle the score in their upcoming match on Thursday.