The excitement of Asia Cup 2025 is building up and now all eyes are on Bangladesh vs Hong Kong in the third match of the tournament. This Group B encounter is full of thrillers as Bangladesh will look to start their campaign with a resounding win while Hong Kong will struggle to maintain their position after a tough start. Let’s look at the full match details, including venue, toss prediction, pitch report, probable playing XI, live streaming information and who is most likely to win today’s encounter.
Match Details
Match Schedule: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, Asia Cup 2025 – Match 3
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Time: 8:00 PM IST | 6:30 PM local time
Format: T20I
Team Form and Preview Bangladesh
Ban come into this match full of confidence after their recent wins in bilateral T20I series against strong teams like Pakistan and Netherlands. Their batting looks stronger with the likes of Liton Das, Tauheed Hridoy and Shamim Hossain performing consistently well. Talking about the bowling, the Tigers have a dangerous attack led by Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and young spinner Rishad Hossain.
However, Ban will not take Hong Kong lightly. Despite being the favourites, they are well aware of their previous encounter in the 2014 T20 World Cup, where Hong Kong surprised them. This memory will motivate Ban to play this match with full focus.
Hong Kong
It is a must-win match for Hong Kong. They had a poor outing against Afghanistan in their first match of the tournament and would be looking to bounce back strongly. Their batting is centred around experienced players like Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath. The bowling attack will be led by the likes of Ehsan Khan and Aizaz Khan, but they will have to perform better against Bangladesh’s strong batting unit.
Head-to-Head Record
Total T20Is: 1
Bangladesh Wins: 0
Hong Kong Wins: 1
Yes, you read it right—Hong Kong have a 100% winning record against Ban in T20Is. But that match took place more than a decade ago, and both teams have changed a lot since then. Ban will go into this encounter as favourites.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi usually offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. In the first few overs, the pacers can get swing in the lights, but once the ball softens, batting becomes easier. As the match progresses, spinners get some grip.
Evening matches in Abu Dhabi also have the effect of dew, which makes batting easier in the second innings. This means that the toss will play a key role, as most captains prefer to chase targets under lights.
Pitch Type: Batting friendly, with little help to pacers and spinners.
Average 1st innings score: 160-170
Weather: Clear skies, no rain expected, humidity may help swing.
Toss Prediction
Given the conditions, the captain who wins the toss may opt to bowl first. Defending the target may be difficult due to dew, so both teams will want to chase the target.
Winner – Ban.
Probable Playing XIBangladesh Probable XI
- Liton Das (c & wk)
- Tanzid Hasan
- Tauhid Hridoy
- Shamim Hossain
- Nurul Hasan
- Mahedi Hasan
- Rishad Hossain
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shorgul Wala Islam
- Parvez Hossain Emon
Hong Kong Probable XI
- Yasim Mortaza (c)
- Zeeshan Ali (wk)
- Babar Hayat
- -Anshuman Rath
- Nizaqat Khan
- Kinchit Shah
- Aizaz Khan
- Ehsan Khan
- Ayush Shukla
- Atiq Iqbal
- Kalhan Challu
Key Players to Watch
Liton Das (BAN): The captain and wicketkeeper is the backbone of Bangladesh’s batting lineup. His role at the top will set the tone.’
Tauheed Hridoy (Bangladesh): In good form and capable of scoring quick runs as well as anchoring the innings when needed.
Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): Bangladesh’s death-overs specialist who is capable of stopping runs and taking wickets at crucial moments.
Babar Hayat (Hong Kong): Hong Kong’s most explosive batsman, can turn the tide of a match if he gets into rhythm.
Ehsan Khan (Hong Kong): An experienced spinner who will need to trouble Ban middle order if Hong Kong want to have a chance.
Match Prediction
On paper, Ban look much stronger than Hong Kong. They have the form, rhythm and a balanced team that can handle both batting and bowling challenges. Hong Kong, on the other hand, will need a near-perfect performance to pull off the upset.
If Bangladesh bat first: Expect them to score 170-180.
If Hong Kong bat first: Bangladesh’s bowling attack may make them struggle to go beyond 140-150.
Probable Winners: Ban are the clear favourites and should win comfortably unless Hong Kong pull off a miracle.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
Cricket fans across the globe can watch this thrilling Asia Cup encounter live via official broadcasters and online streaming platforms.
India: Sony Sports Network (TV), SonyLIV app and website, FanCode
Bangladesh: T Sports, Toffee app, local broadcasters
UAE and Middle East: Etisalat CricLife, Switch TV app
Worldwide: Availability may vary, but SonyLIV and ICC’s digital partners will be streaming in most regions.
Match starts: 8:00 PM IST | 7:30 PM IST (Toss)
What does this match mean?
- For Bangladesh: A win here will give them an early lead in Group B and boost their chances of making it to the Super 4s.
- For Hong Kong: This is a must-win match to stay in the tournament. A loss here will virtually end their Asia Cup 2025 journey.
Final Thoughts
The Bangladesh vs Hong Kong contest may look one-sided on paper, but cricket has a history of upsets. Bangladesh cannot afford to be complacent, especially against a spirited Hong Kong team that is desperate to prove itself. However, given their recent form, experienced players and balanced squad, Bangladesh are favourites to win the two points.
Fans should expect fireworks under the lights in Abu Dhabi as Asia Cup 2025 is about to begin another exciting chapter.
Related Article :- Asia Cup 2025 Schedule: Full Fixtures, Venues, Timings, and Key Matches
