ASIA CUP, 2025
Parvez Hossain Emon has played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s batting revival during the PowerPlay © Getty
After a two-year transition, Bangladesh heads into the 2025 Asia Cup with a stable lineup and the momentum from three consecutive T20I series victories. Historically, the UAE has not been a successful venue for them, despite its familiar playing conditions. Their main challenge remains to transform this newfound confidence into results in a multi-nation tournament, aiming for their first trophy following three previous runner-up finishes in Asia Cup history.
Bangladesh’s inconsistency in batting has been evident throughout their recent transitional phase. Following Tamim Iqbal’s departure, they experimented with 28 different opening pairings featuring 17 players, the highest among Full Member teams. However, recent performances suggest they have found stability with Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon, who have shown promising results. Emon, notably the second Bangladeshi to score a T20I century, has added much-needed aggression to the PowerPlay—a phase where the team struggled since the last T20 World Cup.
Evidence of their new T20-focused batting strategy emerged with the hiring of power-hitting coach Julian Wood, reflecting Bangladesh’s aspirations in this Asia Cup and their long-term goal to build a strong T20 World Cup team. Under Wood’s guidance, Bangladesh also participated in a rigorous month-long training camp with an expanded training squad, emphasizing player fitness to cope with the UAE’s heat and humidity.
Bangladesh’s bowling unit, undoubtedly their strongest asset since the 2024 World Cup, is set to play a crucial role in their campaign. Their spin attack is particularly robust, featuring offspinner Mahedi Hasan and legspinner Rishad Hossain, each with 19 wickets, who provide stability and aggression. The reintroduction of left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed adds further diversity to their bowling strategy.
Squad: Litton Das (Captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin
Standby: Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Tanvir Islam, Hasan Mahmud
Probable XI: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (C, wk), Towhid Hridoy, Saif Hassan, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Establishing a reliable opening partnership has alleviated concerns for the team management. Emon’s explosive play combined with Litton’s steadiness creates a positive outlook for Bangladesh, despite a recent dip in form for Towhid Hridoy. The team has also depended on the finishing capabilities of Jaker Ali and, more recently, Saif Hassan, who have not let them down. The pitches in Abu Dhabi may be slightly drier than at home, but Bangladesh plans to leverage its strengths with a spin-dominated attack.
Key Player to Watch: Saif Hassan
After almost two years of working hard in domestic cricket, Saif Hassan has returned to Bangladesh’s white-ball plans and is seen as a potential X-factor. His role as a finisher was proven during the series against the Netherlands, where he made a quick 36* off 19 balls. He also contributed significantly with the ball, providing an additional bowling option. This balanced capability enhances Bangladesh’s chances in their XI.
Crucial Match: The final group match against Afghanistan could be a pivotal one. Afghanistan’s rapid emergence in T20 cricket has made them formidable, and they have a history of close contests with Bangladesh, holding a 7-5 advantage in T20 encounters. Both teams are looking for their first major trophy amid a backdrop of past disappointments and aspirations for success.
Potential Upset: Despite being historically favored, Sri Lanka’s current form may offer Bangladesh a prime opportunity to advance beyond the group stages. Earlier this year, Bangladesh rebounded from an initial defeat to Sri Lanka in a series and came back with a comprehensive victory, showcasing their capacity to outperform previous expectations with a similar lineup.
Group Stage Schedule
September 11 – vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi
September 13 – vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi
September 16 – vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi
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