Bangladesh Set to Dominate Hong Kong in Asia Cup Opener

Bangladesh kicks off their Asia Cup journey against Hong Kong on September 11 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, aiming to capitalize on their opponents’ recent struggles and set a commanding tone for the tournament. Hong Kong, coming off a crushing 94-run defeat to Afghanistan in the tournament opener, face an uphill battle after being bowled out for 94 in response to Afghanistan’s 188 for six, with only two batters reaching double figures.

Led by Litton Das in his first major tournament as full-time captain, Bangladesh enter with momentum from three consecutive series wins against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. The Tigers’ squad blends experience and youth, featuring Nurul Hasan’s return after nearly three years, Towhid Hridoy’s middle-order firepower, and Mustafizur Rahman’s lethal death bowling. Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s economical new-ball spells further bolster the attack. Das, also serving as wicketkeeper, emphasized breaking the team’s historical Asia Cup jinx, having reached the finals in 2012, 2016, and 2018 without clinching the title.

“We haven’t tasted the championship, but history is there to be broken,” Das said at the trophy unveiling in Dubai. “We’ve played good cricket recently and had a long camp. We’re well-prepared to take on the challenges.” The team’s improved top-order intent and deeper bowling options signal their readiness for tougher group-stage clashes against Sri Lanka (September 13) and Afghanistan (September 16).

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Hong Kong, led by Yasim Murtaza, must regroup quickly after their bowlers were dismantled at the death against Afghanistan. With a fragile batting lineup, they face a formidable Bangladesh side eager to assert dominance early in the tournament.

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