Bangladesh registered a convincing 7-wicket win over Hong Kong in the Group B match 3 clash of the Asia Cup 2025. After Hong Kong batted first and scored 143/7 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Nizakat Khan (42 off 40), Zeeshan Ali (30 off 34) and Yasim Murtaza (28 off 19), the Bangladesh bowlers led by the tight spells of Tanzim Hasan (2/21), Rishad Hossain (2/31) and Taskin Ahmed (2/38) did all they could to defend the total. Bangladesh comfortably chased down the target of 144, winning with 144/3 in 17.4 overs. They were led by top scorer Litton Das (59 off 39) and Towhid Hridoy (35* off 36). Below are the main reasons for Hong Kong defeat:

1. Inability to Accelerate in the Middle Overs

Although, the start was steady with Nizakat Khan (42) and Zeeshan Ali (30), Hong Kong struggled to up the scoring rate in the middle overs. Bangladesh bowlers used variations into good use to restrict the upcoming runs.

2. Key Partnerships Broken by Timely Breakthroughs

Every time Hong Kong tried to build some sort of momentum, Bangladesh were always on hand to take wickets. Taskin, Rishad, and Tanzim made sure that partnerships did not get big, and restricted Hong Kong to a low score.

See Also: [WATCH] Asia Cup 2025: Hong Kong Captain Yasim Murtaza hits 2 strong sixes in BAN vs HKC Match 3

3. Limited Total Set for Bangladesh's Chase

A target of 143 was never going to be enough against a strong batting unit like Bangladesh, naturally, Litton Das' fluent 59 and Towhid Hridoy's calm unbeaten 35 made the chase look simple and wrapped the game up comfortably.

Mustafizur Rahman took a stunning catch to disturb Hong Kong's confident batting during the 3rd game of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. In the 12th over of the first innings, Rahman completed a flying catch to dismiss Zeeshan Ali, a set opener of the Hong Kong cricket team. 

On September 11, 2025, Bangladesh began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign through a match against Hong Kong. On paper, Bangladesh is ahead of their opponent. Things started to look more competitive, when Hong Kong started to bat in the first innings at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. They looked more confident while batting on a fresh pitch, against the experienced cricketers like Taskin Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman. 

On the top of Hong Kong's batting line-up, Zeeshan Ali was playing the anchor role to provide his innings some stability. While the opener tried to hold the innings, other batters were in the attempt to rotate the strike rate as much as possible. Here Bangladesh spotted their opportunity to strike. Tanzim Hasan Sakib did exactly for which skipper Litton Das assigned him for the 12th over of the Innings. Though, without the effort from Rahman, Sakib might have to wait more for the important wicket. 

Read More: Who is Saransh Jain who claimed two 5-wicket haul in ongoing Duleep Trophy 2025?

Bangladesh star Mustafizur Rahman took a stunning catch in Asia Cup 2025

Ali had no option but to go big, as his strike rate was looking suitably appropriate for a T20I game. Against the pacer, the right-handed batter swung his bat aggressively. But the extra pace and the bounce generated by Sakib did not provide the batter enough space for making a sweet contact. The ball got the height, but not the distance to clear the rope. 

Mustafizur Rahman spotted the ball in the sky and started to run back. He kept running and after making some ground he stretched his body to grab the ball. Rahman landed on the ground hard, but his hold was strong enough to complete the catch. Ali departed for 30 off 34. 

Watch the catch here

Effort meter: Maxed out 📈
Reward: Priceless ☝️

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With the Asia Cup 2025 in full swing, Bangladesh are ready to get their campaign underway against Hong Kong, with renewed confidence. Bangladesh has just come off the back of a 2-0 T20I series victory over the Netherlands and will enter the tournament full of confidence and form.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das emphasized the positive frame of mind the team is in and explained that they are focused on starting well and continuing that next step throughout the tournament. Litton Das has confidence the team have bounced back from their previous disappointments and are keen to be competitive on the world stage.

Their first challenge comes against Hong Kong, a side that stunned Bangladesh in their last meeting at the 2014 T20 World Cup, winning by 2 wickets. However, Litton assured fans that the team’s focus is now on the present, with their eyes firmly set on a winning start in Asia’s marquee tournament.

Litton Das on Mindset and Strategy

“At this moment, we are not in a position to approach the game with a negative mindset. In the recent past, we have played very good cricket and are sufficiently well-prepared for this tournament. We will enter the game with the goal of winning the match. Who we are playing against is secondary; the priority is to playatr 100% and give our best effort,” Litton Das said.

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Placed in Group B alongside Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong, Bangladesh knows the path ahead is challenging. After Afghanistan’s thumping win over Hong Kong, they currently top the table, but Litton remains focused on the basics. “Obviously, winning by a big margin is a plus point. But we will play a new game, and any team can have a bad day of cricket. The first target is to win. If we find ourselves in a good situation again, our thinking might change. But if we focus too much onrun rate,, it can backfire, and we may end up losing a match. Right now, our goal is simple. win every game and qualify for the second round,” he added.

With Hong Kong desperate to bounce back from their defeat toAfghanistan andd Bangladesh seeking a winning start, fans can expect an electrifying contest as both teams lock horns in their Asia Cup 2025 clash.

The 3rd match of the Asia Cup 2025 will take place on Thursday, September 11, when Bangladesh (BAN) takes on Hong Kong (HK) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The Bengal Tigers will be looking to start their campaign off right and gain some confidence in Group B.

Bangladesh is led by Litton Das and enters the contest on a high note, having won six out of their last nine T20Is overall, led by series wins over Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. Yasim Murtaza's Hong Kong team will be looking to rebound quickly as they enter the match fresh off an embarrassing 94-run loss to Afghanistan in their opening game. This match is a must-win for Hong Kong to keep their qualification hopes alive.

BAN vs HKC: Head-to-Head Records

In T20 internationals, Bangladesh and Hong Kong have met only once.

• Matches Played: 1
• Bangladesh Won: 0
• Hong Kong Won: 1

It will also be their first meeting in an Asia Cup T20 format, meaning Bangladesh has an opportunity to even the head-to-head matchup.

BAN vs HKC: Stadium Stats 

Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi has historically favored teams that bowl first, with a 59% win when chasing. With average first-inning score of 145 and often affords a competitive balance between bat and ball.

• Matches Played: 45
  
• Win Bat first: 42%
  
• Win Bowl first: 58%
  
• Average 1st Innings Score: 145
  
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 132
  
• Highest Total: 210/2 (AFG vs IND)
  
• Lowest Total: 84/10 (BAN vs RSA)
  
• Highest Chase: 174/2 (SA vs IRE)
  
• Lowest Defended: 129/6 (PAK vs ENG)

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Asia Cup 2025: Points Table

After the completion of two matches, one each from Group A & B, the points table looks like this:

Group A

Group B