HIGHLIGHTS Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, China, Asia Cup 2025, 3 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back with the chase. Bangladesh is chasing 144, and they'll need steady partnerships to breeze past the target. Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan will be opening for Bangladesh, while Ayush Shukla will bowl the first over for Hong Kong, China. Early wickets are crucial for Hong Kong, China, to put pressure on Bangladesh. Let's see how the chase unfolds!

... The Run Chase ...

Run-making has appeared a bit tough at this venue, especially against the new ball. The same was the case in the first game as well. Hence, a good start with the ball is a non-negotiable for Hong Kong, China if they are to challenge the Bangladeshis. FYI, Bangladesh are yet to win a T20I at Sheikh Zayed Stadium and hence, it is all set for an exciting chase which is on the other side in just a few minutes' time.

With seven wickets in hand, and two big hitters settled on the crease, Hong Kong, China were off to a decent finish. But they lost both Yasim Murtaza and Nizakat Khan towards the backend, which was followed by a procession of wickets. But in particular, those two big wickets have effectively reduced 10-15 more runs off the total. But time will only tell that.

The positive thing for Hong Kong, China, though, was that they didn't lose many wickets in that phase, as the partnership between Zeeshan and Nizakat took a decent shape. It was followed by another steady partnership as skipper Yasim came to bat, with a positive intent, foiling nicely over Nizakat, who looked scratchy for the maximum of his batting. Bangladesh constantly tested the batters, but couldn't chip in with regular wickets. That 7-15 over phase proved to be a bit fruitful for Hong Kong, China, as they managed to score 67 runs, losing only one wicket.

The batters struggled to find their timing right, and the scoring plugged even further once spin was introduced in full force by Bangladesh. Zeeshan, in particular, was off to a really sluggish start, but did find some rhythm later on. However, the bowling was disciplined and full of variations, which didn't allow the batters to go full-fledged offensive. The run rate was still a tinge north of run-a-ball at halfway.

Bangladesh, on the expected line, started on the money with their pacers setting the tone perfectly. Taskin and Sakib tested the batters' patience, bowling those hard lengths and generating just enough shape to keep the batters tied up. Both got early success in their first spells. Though there was some intent from the top order, with Babar Hayat and Anshy Rath departing early doors, Hong Kong, China crawled to 34/2 at the Powerplay's end.

This has been a lot more improved batting performance by Hong Kong, China. After being bowled out for just 94 in the first game, they have seemingly worked on those loose areas this time around. They have managed to put on a decent total, but that could have potentially been more had either one of Nizakat Khan or Yasim Murtaza stayed till the end. Yet, they managed to score 36 runs off the last 4 overs, which should fuel a lot of confidence in this unit. From Bangladesh's perspective, they arrested the momentum at the right time by picking up wickets towards the backend, and didn't allow the opposition to have a flourish in the final overs. But still, they will reflect that they could have done a touch better in that middle phase.

Taskin Ahmed to Kalhan Challu, Back of a length on off, Kalhan Challu hops onto his back foot and punches this on the bounce to mid off for a single. Hong Kong, China, have posted 143 on board after 20 overs.

Taskin Ahmed to Kalhan Challu, Back of a length around off, Kalhan Challu pulls this to deep mid-wicket and takes two.

Taskin Ahmed to Ehsan Khan, Good length on middle and off, Ehsan Khan punches this down the track for a single.

Taskin Ahmed to Kalhan Challu, When in trouble, go for the yorker, and Taskin Ahmed does exactly that. Kalhan Challu shuffles across and goes for the ramp but gets it edge off the inside of his bat towards short third for one.

Taskin Ahmed to Ehsan Khan, Good length on off, Ehsan Khan guides this to deep third for one. But, hang on, Taskin Ahmed has overstepped for the second time in this contest, and Kalhan Challu will face the Free Hit. The field can be changed as the batter took a single.

Ehsan Khan walks out next.

Taskin Ahmed to Aizaz Khan, OUT! CAUGHT! Third wicket in the last four balls for Bangladesh! Taskin Ahmed gets his second. On a length down the leg, Aizaz Khan goes for the flick but mishits it. Gets a top edge and the ball hangs up for an eternity, over Jaker Ali at the deep backward square leg fence. Jaker Ali settles underneath it and holds onto a regulation catch in the deep. Aizaz Khan departs for 5 (6) and Hong Kong, China are 136/7.

Taskin Ahmed to Aizaz Khan, Good length on middle and leg, Aizaz Khan smashes this to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Kalhan Challu walks out next. And it will be Taskin Ahmed (3-0-29-1) to wrap up the first innings.

Rishad Hossain to Kinchit Shah, OUT! Trapped plumb in front of the stumps. Tossed up, around off, turning into the batter. Kinchit Shah gets down on a knee and goes for the slog sweep but misses out completely. Kinchit Shah wears the ball around his waist but he is down on his knee. A gentle appeal was all that the umpire needed to raise his finger. Kinchit Shah sends this upstairs more in hope than conviction. Nothing on the UltraEdge and three reds on the Ball Tracking as the ball is projected to hit the middle of the middle stump. The on-field decision of OUT stays. A golden duck for Kinchit Shah and Hong Kong, China have now slipped down to 134/4 to 134/6.

Kinchit Shah walks out next.

Rishad Hossain to Nizakat Khan, OUT! IN THE AIR! CAUGHT! Another big wicket for Bangladesh and they are arresting the momentum just at the right time. Rishad Hossain gives it a lot more air, around off. Nizakat Khan jumps too close to the pitch of the delivery but fails to get right underneath it. Chips this straight to Tanzim Hasan Sakib at long on. Sakib runs in towards his left and holds onto it. Nizakat Khan departs for 42 (40) and Hong Kong, China are 134/5.

Rishad Hossain to Aizaz Khan, Leggier on off, Aizaz Khan swings at it. Gets an outside edge, landing short of the feidler running in from deep point fence for one.

Rishad Hossain to Nizakat Khan, Fuller around off, Nizakat Khan smashes this to long on for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Nizakat Khan, SIX! High and handsome! Tossed up around off, Nizakat Khan jumps down the track., gets on top of the bounce of this delivery and loft this up and over the fielder of long off for a huge six.

Rishad Hossain to Aizaz Khan, Floated onto the pads, Aizaz Khan flicks this to deep mid-wicket for one.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, FOUR! Nicely placed stroke for four. On a length, wide of off, Nizakat Khan jumps down the track and shifts a wee bit away from the stumps as well. Opens the face of his bat and slices this up and over point for a boundary.

Mustafizur Rahman to Aizaz Khan, LEG BYE! Good length, on the pads, Aizaz Khan misses out on the flick and gets it brushed off his pads for a leg bye towards short fine leg.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, Length-delivery around off, punched off the back foot for a single

Mustafizur Rahman to Aizaz Khan, On a length around the pads, Aizaz Khan flicks this to deep square for one.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, On a length around middle and leg, Nizakat Khan slogs this off the bottom of his bat to long on for one.

Aizaz Khan is in at 6.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, OUT! RUN OUT! A mix-up between the batters and Hong Kong, China lose their skipper at a crucial time. On a length around off, Nizakat Khan hops back and punches this straight to Rishad Hossain at extra cover. A lot of yes-no between the batters and Yasim Murtaza is stranded right in the middle of the deck. Rishad Hossain collects the ball at a comfortable height, and throws it on the bounce towards Mustafizur Rahman at the non-striker's end and the bowler does the rest with Murtaza not even in the frame as he concedes to get back. Yasim Murtaza departs for 28 (19). The 46-run partnership is broken, and Hong Kong, China are 117/4.

Taskin Ahmed to Yasim Murtaza, Swing and a miss from Yasim Murtaza but Taskin Ahmed is appealing for a caught behind. The umpire turns it down. A long discussion between skipper Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed and they decide not to review it. This is pitched short and going across the batter, Yasim Murtaza swings at it but misses out.

Taskin Ahmed to Yasim Murtaza, FOUR! Yasim Murtaza has played a skipper's knock so far. Short-pitched, around middle and off, Yasim Murtaza pulls this in front of square and gets it away from the fielder at deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Taskin Ahmed to Yasim Murtaza, Low full toss on off, Yasim Murtaza pushes this to mid off for no run.

Taskin Ahmed to Nizakat Khan, Back of a length around off, Nizakat Khan fends this to deep mid-wicket for one.

Taskin Ahmed to Nizakat Khan, FOUR! Streaky or lucky, whatever you say, much-needed runs for Hong Kong, China. Yorker on off, Nizakat Khan stays leg side and swings at it. Gets it squirted off the bottom edge through the gap towards short third's left for four runs.

Taskin Ahmed to Yasim Murtaza, Back of a length around middle and leg, Yasim Murtaza moves back and away and thumps this past the bowler for a single. Taskin Ahmed got a bit of hand to it and took the sting out of it but couldn't save the single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, With Nazakat moving towards his leg again, Mustafizur Rahman fires this angling away from the batter around his off-stump. Nizakat Khan swings and misses again.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, Pace on, 133.5 kph, short-pitched delivery, following the batter to his leg. Nizakat Khan swings for the pull but gets late and beaten.

Mustafizur Rahman to Yasim Murtaza, On a length, around off, Yasim Murtaza leans back and cuts this to deep point for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Yasim Murtaza, WIDE! Full toss down the leg, Yasim Murtaza misses out on the flick. Wided.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, Short-pitched, around off, Nizakat Khan works this to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, On a length wide outside off, Nizakat Khan shimmies down the track and chips this behind extra cover for a couple here.

Mustafizur Rahman to Yasim Murtaza, Back of a length around off, Yasim Murtaza punches this to sweeper cover for one.

Mahedi Hasan to Yasim Murtaza, Length ball, on the stumps, this is worked across the line, towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Yasim Murtaza, SIX! Excellent shot and 100 is up for Hong Kong, China! Full and into the slot, on off. Yasim Murtaza charges down the track and sails it comfortably over long on for a cracking six.

Mahedi Hasan to Nizakat Khan, Good length, and outside off, Nizakat advances down the track and smashes off the bottom end of the bat. The ball dips in front of long on. Hridoy collects on one bounce. A single taken.

Mahedi Hasan to Nizakat Khan, Tanzid saves two for his side. Shortens the length with a conventional leggie, does Mahedi. Pitches outside the off stump. Khan backs away and whacks it over extra cover. Tanzid Hasan at long off runs to his left and puts in a dive to make the stop. He tries to save it one-handed and flicks the ball inside as well, but slides onto the ropes with the momentum. He, though, recovers well before picking up the ball. Now, the third umpire is checking whether Tanzid's right toe is in contact with the ball while him being in contact with the ropes. But the lack of evidences is deemed as a clean save. Two taken.

Is that a boundary? Excellent effort whatsoever from Tanzid Hasan in the deep. He runs from long on to his right and dives to flick the ball inside. Does so cleanly, but the sliding momentum takes him into the ropes. But while doing so, the ball rolls near his right toe and that's what is being forensically checked. And without any conclusive evidence, the benefit of the doubt goes in favor of the fielder.

Mahedi Hasan to Yasim Murtaza, Fuller and a round-arm delivery, sliding on the leg stump line. Yasim tries to paddle it behind, but the ball goes off the leading edge towards mid-wicket for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Nizakat Khan, Pushed through flatter and on the leg stump line. Nizakat Khan slogs this full ball, off the toe end to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Nizakat Khan, Short and on the stumps, Nizakat Khan plays it almost like a tennis forehand and swats it down to wide long on for a single. Excellent spell of bowling by Tanzim Hasan Sakib. He wraps up with figures of 4-1-21-2.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Yasim Murtaza, Back of a length, on top of the sticks. Yasim Murtaza creates room by shuffling to the leg side. Opens the bat's face deliberately late and glides it behind to the right of deep third for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Yasim Murtaza, SIX! BANG! Geez, that has traveled some distance! Short and on the leg stump line. Yasim Murtaza picks up and deposits it behind deep backward square leg for a cracking six.

Parvez Hossain Emon looks in some discomfort and is walking off the field to get some treatment.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Yasim Murtaza, Great effort by Emon! But that must have stung him real hard. Good length on off. Murtaza makes room and slaps it in the off side. Parvez Hossain Emon at cover flings to his right and even gets his hand on the ball, but parries it to the deep. The ball slows down and the batters cross for the second.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Nizakat Khan, Backs away, does Khan and slaps the length ball, wide of cover for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Nizakat Khan, Well-directed short delivery, following the batter. Nizakat Khan moves leg side, and tries to help it over short third, but misses.

Rishad Hossain to Yasim Murtaza, This one turns back in sharply from outside off, on a length. Murtaza is hit on the front pad.

Rishad Hossain to Yasim Murtaza, DROPPED! A tough, tough chance though. These either stick or just pop out. Full and quick from Rishad, on the stumps. Yasim Murtaza again tries to smash that down the ground, but toe ends it flat, over the bowler. Rishad Hossain leaps and sticks his left hand up to pluck the ball, but it just pops behind to the mid off region.

Rishad Hossain to Yasim Murtaza, FOUR! Spanked! Into the slot, full and just around off. Yasim Murtaza uses his feet, and smashes it over the bowler for a boundary at long on.

Rishad Hossain to Nizakat Khan, Slower through the air, full and on off, Nizakat Khan spreads on the crease and drills it down to mid off for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Yasim Murtaza, Floated up at just 81.7 kph, slides on with the arm, full and on the leg stump. Yasim Murtaza misses the flick and the ball rolls off the front pad to mid-wicket. They cross for a leg bye.

Rishad Hossain to Nizakat Khan, Full and quick, on the leg stump. Nizakat Khan gives the bowler the charge and mistimes the heave towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Yasim Murtaza, Good length, around off, Yasim hops off and taps it to cover.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Yasim Murtaza, BEAUTY! Short and outside off, with some kick on it. Yasim is beaten all ends up on that one.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib has broken the brewing partnership for the third wicket, and Hong Kong, China will have rebuild once again.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Yasim Murtaza, Length, outside off, swing and a miss for Murtaza.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Zeeshan Ali, OUT! STRAIGHT UP AND TAKEN! That is some catch from 'The Fizz'! Sakib slams the deck really hard, short and on the stumps. The ball kicks up a bit and cramps Ali for room. He goes for a heave across the line, but the ball gets heavy on him. Ends up mistiming it over the mid-wicket region. Mustafizur Rahman turns back, keeps his eyes locked on the ball and stretches his hands forward to take the catch. Tanzim Hasan Sakib breaks this 41-run stand and Hong Kong, China are 71/3 down as Zeeshan Ali departs for 30 (34).

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Zeeshan Ali, Short of a good length, on top of off. Zeeshan Ali climbs over it and dabs it to backward point.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Zeeshan Ali, Well-directed bumper, on the bodyline. Zeeshan Ali is forced to sway away from the line. Ducks to leave.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib is back on. 2-0-10-1 so far. He replaces Mustafizur Rahman.

Mahedi Hasan to Zeeshan Ali, Full and quick, outside off, Zeeshan Ali waits back and opens the bat face late for a single at wide short third. Another decent over for Hong Kong, China. 7 runs off it.

Mahedi Hasan to Nizakat Khan, Full and flat, on middle, slogged over mid on for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Nizakat Khan, Short and on the leg stump, Khan charges forward and works it to mid-wicket.

Mahedi Hasan to Nizakat Khan, On the stumps, stabbed across to mid-wicket.

Mahedi Hasan to Zeeshan Ali, Touch full and on middle, spinning in. Zeeshan shapes to sweep, but gets an inside edge to the leg side for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Zeeshan Ali, FOUR! Wow, that is some shot! Suddenly, there is a surge for Hong Kong, China in terms of runs. Full and pushed on middle. Zeeshan Ali charges down and lofts it over mid-wicket. Finds the gap and the boundary as well.

Hong Kong has scored 27 runs in the last three overs, indicating a shift in momentum and a change in their approach.

Time for a Drinks Break. Hong Kong, China, are currently at 64/2, with Zeeshan Ali unbeaten on 24 off 28 balls. He's been well-supported by Nizakat Khan. Ali and Khan have added 34 runs for the 3rd wicket. Bangladesh's bowlers have made a strong start, dismissing Anshy Rath and Babar Hayat early in the Powerplay. Let's see how Hong Kong recovers from here.

Mustafizur Rahman to Zeeshan Ali, Back of a length on off, Zeeshan Ali pulls this behind square for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Zeeshan Ali, FOUR! Back of a length around middle and leg, Zeeshan Ali smashes this through the vacant backward square leg region for a boundary to his name. The patience Zeeshan Ali showed early on is paying off now.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, Pacer on, short-pitched, around off. Nizakat Khan gets into an awkward position and mistimes the pull. Gets a top-edge dropping in front of the deep third fielder running in from the fence. A single taken.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, Back of a length around middle and off, Nizakat Khan mistimes the slog and gets it off his sticker of the bat and drops it in front of the bowler.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, Slower one at 114 kph, going across the batter. Nizakat Khan pokes at it but gets beaten.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, Short-pitched, going across the batter. Nizakat Khan jumps down the track and looks to smash this over long on but misses out.

Mustafizur Rahman (1-0-3-0) returns to the attack.

Rishad Hossain to Nizakat Khan, A brilliant over for Hong Kong, China as they get 13 out of it. Fuller on off, Nizakat Khan punches this down to long off for one.

Rishad Hossain to Zeeshan Ali, Short of a length around middle and off, Zeeshan Ali thumps this down to long on for one.

Rishad Hossain to Zeeshan Ali, FOUR! Swept well for a boundary now. Short of a length around middle and off, Zeeshan Ali sweeps this through mid-wicket and gets a boundary.

Rishad Hossain to Zeeshan Ali, Fuller on off, Zeeshan Ali pushes this to point for no run.

Rishad Hossain to Zeeshan Ali, SIX! Timed to perfection. Tossed up around off, Zeeshan Ali moves a shade to the leg side, opens up the off side and takes the aerial route, hitting this inside out over cover for a biggie. This looked like a one-bounce boundary for the majority of its flight but the timing was so pure that it carried all the way over the ropes for a biggie.

Rishad Hossain to Nizakat Khan, Fuller, turning away from the batter around his off-stump. Nizakat Khan pushes this through cover for one.

Mahedi Hasan to Nizakat Khan, Too full, on off. Nizakat Khan works this through mid on and ends the over with another single.

Mahedi Hasan to Zeeshan Ali, Fuller onto the pads, Zeeshan Ali rolls his wrists and flicks this through square leg for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Nizakat Khan, Floated around off, Nizakat Khan gets it away through mid on for one.

Mahedi Hasan to Zeeshan Ali, Tossed up on off, Zeeshan Ali sweeps this to deep square leg for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Zeeshan Ali, THREE WIDES! Genuine offie, at a good length but down the leg. Zeeshan Ali goes for the sweep but misses. Litton Das fails to gather this behind the stumps but misses. Two taken.

Mahedi Hasan to Zeeshan Ali, Tossed up, around off, Zeeshan Ali jumps down the track and looks to flick this towards the on-side but misses out and gets hit on his front pad.

Mahedi Hasan to Nizakat Khan, Pushed through on off, Nizakat Khan milks this through mid-wicket for one.

Rishad Hossain to Zeeshan Ali, Short and wide of off, Zeeshan Ali taps this to point for a dot to end the over.

Rishad Hossain to Nizakat Khan, Short of a length on off, Nizakat Khan hops up on his toes and nudges this through mid-wicket for one.

Rishad Hossain to Nizakat Khan, Quicker and flatter around middle and off, Nizakat Khan punches this down the ground for a single to long off.

Rishad Hossain to Zeeshan Ali, Tossed up, on middle and off, Zeeshan Ali brings out the reverse sweep again and connects well this time. Gets it to deep point for one.

Rishad Hossain to Zeeshan Ali, Fuller on off, Zeeshan Ali pushes this straight to the fielder for a dot.

Rishad Hossain to Nizakat Khan, Tossed up on off, Nizakat Khan smashes this to long on for a single.

Hong Kong, China has struggled to capitalize on the powerplay overs, scoring just 34 for 2 wickets. Looks like they're having trouble finding their rhythm. Maybe they need to regroup and reassess their strategy on how to go against this quality bowling unit of Bangladesh. Do you think they'll make a comeback or will Bangladesh take control of the game? Also, a change in bowling as Rishad Hossain is introduced into the attack. He replaces Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Mustafizur Rahman to Zeeshan Ali, Cutter, around leg, Zeeshan Ali nudges this to short fine leg and doesn't run. The Fizz starts by giving away 3 in his first over.

Mustafizur Rahman to Zeeshan Ali, Good length, pitching outside leg and angling onto the pads of Zeeshan Ali. The batter goes for he flick but misses and gets hit on his front pad. A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire remains unmoved.

Mustafizur Rahman to Zeeshan Ali, On a length around off, Zeeshan Ali blocks this off his front foot.

Mustafizur Rahman to Zeeshan Ali, Good length, on top of off, Zeeshan Ali punts this to cover and settles for nothing.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, Short-pitched, onto the pads, Nizakat Khan tucks this towards backward square leg and takes one.

Mustafizur Rahman to Nizakat Khan, Back of a length, angling away from the batter, Nizakat Khan punches this off his back foot and gets it through the left of cover-point for a couple. This should have easily been three but the running between the wickets wasn't at it's best by Nizakat and Zeeshan.

Mustafizur Rahman is into the attack now. He replaces Taskin Ahmed.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Nizakat Khan, Short of a length on off, Nizakat creates room and shanks it off the inner half of the blade. The ball goes past the bowler and to the left of mid on for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Nizakat Khan, Lethal delivery! Short of a length, with some bounce and away shape, just over the top of off. Nizakat Khan hangs his bat away and is beaten on the outside edge by a kitten-whisker.

Nizakat Khan is in at 4.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Babar Hayat, OUT! BOWLED! A perfect response from Tanzim right after conceding a six! A huge wicket for Bangladesh! Sakib spots Babar advancing down the track, but this time, he spears in a fuller-length delivery, on middle, with a hint of an away shape. Babar Hayat has charged down, and looks to flick it across the line, but the ball curves away to beat the outside edge. Hears the death rattle behind him as the ball makes an absolute mess of the sticks. Babar Hayat departs for 14 (12) and Hong Kong, China are 30/2.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Babar Hayat, SIX! Gets the timing alright this time around, does Babar! The first six of the evening! On the back of a length, on middle. Tanzim Hasan Sakib reads the length very early and charges down the track. Flat bats it and effortlessly sails it over long on for a six.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Babar Hayat, Hard length, outside off, Babar Hayat presses ahead and knocks it straight to the point fielder.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Babar Hayat, Good length, jagging back in a long way. Babar Hayat swings across but misses to connect.

Taskin Ahmed to Zeeshan Ali, Again, not quite timed well! Fuller than the previous ball, outside off, Zeeshan Ali lofts it over mid off, but off the toe end. The ball again loses its steam on the way to the ropes and is chased by the fielder from the inner ring. Two taken. Taskin Ahmed's figures read 2-0-19-1 so far. Oh, hang on. Zeeshan Ali, while trying to turn around for the second run, didn't tap the bat inside the popping crease at the non-striker's end. The side-on replay confirms the same as well. Hence, it is deemed a short run.

Taskin Ahmed to Babar Hayat, Intent! But the ball doesn't go the distance, or the ropes. Heavy ball, short and outside off. Babar Hayat skips down the track and slashes hard at it. Hits off the toe end and clears the inner ring, over cover-point. The fielder from the circle chases it down as the ball just plugs into the grass in the deep. The batters cross each other thrice.

Taskin Ahmed to Babar Hayat, Back of a length, on top of middle, at 137.6 kph. Babar Hayat stays leg side, waits for it to arrive, and taps it out to the off side.

Taskin Ahmed to Babar Hayat, In the air... lands safe! Fuller delivery, outside off, Babar creates room for himself by backing away, and tries to loft it over extra cover. Gets no timing on that but manages to clear the in-field for a couple of runs.

Taskin Ahmed to Zeeshan Ali, Jags in from off, on a length, nudged through square leg for a single.

Taskin Ahmed to Babar Hayat, Good length, outside off, cutting away a bit. Babar plays at it, and gets a thick outside edge and the ball runs behind to deep third for one.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Zeeshan Ali, Banged short and on the bodyline. Zeeshan Ali ducks under it to leave. Just three from Sakib's opener.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Zeeshan Ali, Big swing and a miss! Zeeshan backs away to smash it over the in-field on the off side, but Sakib slams the deck hard, outside off. Zeeshan Ali only manages to connect a handful of air. A steely stare from Tanzim to the batter.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Zeeshan Ali, Touch full in length, on the stumps, nipping back in. Zeeshan Ali flicks it over mid-wicket and scampers back for the second run.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Babar Hayat, Full and on middle and leg, pushed to the left of mid on for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Babar Hayat, A run out chance, missed! Back of a length, on middle and leg. Babar Hayat tucks it to mid on. Zeeshan Ali is already halfway through for a single, but Tawhid Hridoy dives to his left and releases an underarm throw to the bowler's end. All three stumps to aim at, but he misses. Probably he could have taken a second or two to load his aim as Zeeshan was way out by a country mile.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Babar Hayat, BEAUTY! How about that for a start? This just takes off from the good length, outside off, and nips away after landing on the seam. Babar Hayat hangs his bat away from the body, and is beaten past the outside edge.

Pace in tandem now. Here's Tanzim Hasan Sakib replacing Mahedi Hasan.

Taskin Ahmed to Zeeshan Ali, Back of a length, on off, Zeeshan Ali gets behind it and bunts it down the surface. A successful start for Taskin. A wicket off his first over.

Taskin Ahmed to Zeeshan Ali, FIVE WIDES! Oh dear, that's a wild delivery by Taskin! Sprays it way down leg, on a fullish length, nipping down the leg side after pitching. Zeeshan Ali misses to flick and the ball shoots to beat the dive of Litton Das to his left and runs to the deep fine leg fence.

Taskin Ahmed to Zeeshan Ali, Short of a length, outside off, tapped with soft hands to the cover region by Zeeshan.

Taskin Ahmed to Babar Hayat, Off the mark straightaway! Full and outside off, Babar Hayat pushes it to the left of mid off for a quick single.

Babar Hayat is in at 3.

Taskin Ahmed to Anshy Rath, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Smart review from Bangladesh and Taskin Ahmed provides the first breakthrough for Bangladesh. Taskin bowls it in the channel of off, just a bit too full and nipping away after pitching. Anshy Rath with barely any foot movement, tries to drive it straight down the ground, but plays the initial line. The ball passes close to the outside edge. Litton Das dives low to his right and scoops it safely into his gloves. A very confident appeal for caught behind, but the umpire does not entertain! A huge discussion between several Bangladeshi players and Litton Das decides to send this upstairs again. UltraEdge shows a faint spike when the ball is next to the outside edge. Anshy Rath departs on 4 (5) and Hong Kong, China are 7/1.

Taskin Ahmed to Anshy Rath, Fuller now, on middle and off. Anshy Rath prods forward and firmly knocks it back to Taskin.

Taskin Ahmed to Anshy Rath, FOUR! Makes the most out of it. Anshy Rath is off the mark! Outside off, on a good length, Anshy Rath gets enough width and slashes it hard, bisecting the narrow cover and point gap for a cracking boundary.

Taskin Ahmed to Anshy Rath, Uh, oh! A false start for Taskin. No Ball for overstepping. Taskin hurls it outside off, on a hard length. Anshy Rath has a casual poke at it, but misses to connect. Free Hit loading up...

Taskin Ahmed to operate from the far end.

Mahedi Hasan to Zeeshan Ali, A bit of yes and no, but no harm done. A fuller-length delivery, drifting and spinning in from off. Zeeshan Ali leans forward and taps it out with soft hands to the cover region. Zeeshan sniffs a single, and is through, but the fielder is quick to get to the ball and that forces Zeeshan to retreat back in time. Tidy start for Hasan. Just 2 singles off it.

Mahedi Hasan to Zeeshan Ali, Tossed up, on a length, onto the pads. Zeeshan Ali hangs back and nudges it to backward square leg.

Mahedi Hasan to Zeeshan Ali, Flatter and quicker, on middle, tucked to short mid-wicket off the back foot.

Mahedi Hasan to Zeeshan Ali, Mahedi dishes out a fuller length, spinning a shy bit into the batter, on middle. Zeeshan Ali switches the stance and tries to employ the reverse sweep, but misses to connect. The ball thuds on the front pad. Huge appeal for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head in denial. Looks worth discussing and Litton Das walks to Mahedi Hasan for a chat. Eventually, they go upstairs to review it. Onto the forensics now. Impact is the key here. UltraEdge detects no spike. Ball Tracking shows that the impact is on the umpire's call. Hence, the on-field decision stays. Bangladesh won't lose their review.

Mahedi Hasan to Anshy Rath, Drifting into the pads, on a fullish length. Anshy Rath misses to sweep and the ball rolls off the front pad, towards backward square leg. They cross for a leg bye.

Mahedi Hasan to Zeeshan Ali, Touch full and pushed through, on off, spinning in. Zeeshan Ali pushes at it on the front foot, but gets a thick outside edge and the ball runs behind to deep third for a single. Hong Kong, China and Zeeshan Ali are off the mark.

Done with all the pre-match formalities and it is now time for the action to commence here at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium of Abu Dhabi. It is a lot more humid and warm as compared to the curtain-raiser a couple of moons back. A working day, of course, and the stands are yet to be filled, but still, it is very easy to spot many supporters of the Bangladeshi side. The umpires are already out and walk to the middle. Litton Das leads his men out of the huddle as the Bangladeshi players take their respective fielding positions. Zeeshan Ali and Anshy Rath are the two openers for Hong Kong, China. Bangladesh are beginning with spin as Mahedi Hasan has the new ball. Zeeshan to face. Here we go...

Just a few minutes away from the first ball. But as per the ritual, both sides are walking out, followed by the match officials, for their respective national anthems. It will be Hong Kong, China's first, followed by that of Bangladesh's Amar Shonar Bangla.

PITCH REPORT - Russel Arnold and Bazid Khan are pitchside for their analysis. Russel Arnold expects the pitch to offer a good batting surface, despite some cracks that have developed over the past two days. He believes the ball will slide onto the bat nicely, requiring batters to show application and put pressure on the opposition. Bazid Khan notes that Bangladesh's decision to bowl first aligns with their preferred approach in T20 cricket, considering the venue's unique elements like wind and a large playing surface.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (C/WK), Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman.

Hong Kong, China (Playing XI) - Zeeshan Ali (WK), Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Kalhan Challu, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (C), Aizaz Khan, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, and Ateeq Iqbal.

The captain of Hong Kong, China, Yasim Murtaza, says they would have batted first, so he is happy to get what they wanted to do. Admits they made a few mistakes in the previous game and stresses avoiding those this time around and put on a big score on the board. Informs that they are going unchanged. Ends by saying they are seeing it as a new day, new opportunity.

The captain of Bangladesh, Litton Das, cites the uncertainty of the pitch's behavior in the first game. He emphasizes the need to assess the conditions and bring their A-game, despite playing good cricket in the last three series. Das reveals the team's strategy, opting for three seamers and two spinners alongside six batters. He stresses that every game is important and none can be considered a warm-up, highlighting the team's commitment to giving their best performance.

TOSS UPDATE - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Bangladesh and Litton Das elects to BOWL first.

For Hong Kong, China, the focus will be on building meaningful partnerships and easing the burden on Babar Hayat, whose role remains pivotal at the top. Their first match exposed their struggles against quality spin, something they must address quickly against a sharper Bangladesh attack. With the ball, they will rely on Ayush Shukla, Kinchit Shah, and the vastly experienced Ehsan Khan to provide control, and particularly, to tighten the screws at the death as well. A young side with nothing to lose and plenty to gain, they will aim to test Bangladesh’s resolve and make their mark in Group B. Stay tuned for the toss and team updates.

Under Litton Das' leadership, Bangladesh are ready to launch their Asia Cup campaign. The in-form opening pair of Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan will be tasked with setting the tone, while the absence of senior names opens the door for a new generation to carry the team’s legacy forward with an eye on next year’s T20 World Cup. On sluggish UAE pitches, a spin-heavy approach featuring Rishad Hossain and Nasum Ahmed is likely, backed by a potent pace quartet led by the duo of Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, evolving under the guidance of pace coach Shaun Tait, which gives them both depth and balance across departments.

Drawn in what many are calling the group of death, Bangladesh enter this Asia Cup as one of the favorites to reach the Super 4s. With no disrespect to Hong Kong, China, Bangladesh know that their bigger tests await against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, which makes a convincing win here all the more important. They arrive in good form, riding the momentum of three consecutive series wins - two at home and one away. Yet, this part of the world has never truly been a happy hunting ground for them, and they will be eager to rewrite that record with a much more receptive squad ready to meet the demands of modern-day T20I cricket.

The tournament so far has produced two completely one-sided clashes, one of which featured Hong Kong, China in the curtain-raiser. Now, they are set to take on Bangladesh for the first time in more than a decade. Their last meeting came back in 2014 in Chattogram, in the T20 World Cup, where Hong Kong, China pulled off a stunning upset against a full-strength Bangladesh side. From that historic clash, only two names remain in the current line-up - Babar Hayat and Nizakat Khan. Their experience could prove invaluable if they are to challenge a fired-up Bangladesh outfit this time around.

With just an hour and a half on the road from Dubai, we are back in the heart of Abu Dhabi for Match 3 of the 2025 Asia Cup. An exciting Group B contest is on the cards as Bangladesh gear up to kickstart their campaign against Hong Kong, China at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium. On that note, a very warm welcome to our coverage. Great to have you all with us.

... MATCH DAY ...

It's not over when you lose, it's over when you quit. This rings especially true for Hong Kong, China, as they enter a do-or-die clash against Bangladesh in the third match of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. Following a heavy defeat in their opening match, this game in Abu Dhabi is a must-win game for them to keep their campaign alive, while for Bangladesh, it's an opportunity to start their tournament with a bang in what many call the group of death and set the tone for a run to the Super Four. Hong Kong, China entered the tournament with a fresh outlook - a new captain in Yasim Murtaza and a new coach in Kaushal Silva. Still, the gulf in experience was immediately evident in their first match. Chasing Afghanistan’s 188, their batting collapsed to just 94/9, exposing a lack of firepower and confidence under pressure. Apart from Babar Hayat’s 39, none of the batters applied themselves, while the bowlers too leaked runs at the death, with only Kinchit Shah impressing by keeping things tight in the middle overs. Preparation has been far from ideal - indoor nets back home and a short two-week camp in Dubai hardly seem enough to deal with sides like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. To stay alive, Hong Kong, China must find intent with the bat, better use of their spinners, and the discipline to play out the big names without freezing under pressure. For them, it’s also about mindset. They’ve shown in the past - notably in 2014 against Bangladesh that they can pull off surprises, but the challenge is different now. With their batting over-dependent on Hayat and Anshy Rath, and with Murtaza still adjusting to leadership, it’s a steep climb. What could work in their favour is the Abu Dhabi pitch, which has been two-paced and slightly assisting spinners early on. If Kinchit Shah and Ehsan Khan can replicate their control, and if someone like Hayat can anchor with a fearless knock, they might at least stretch Bangladesh and force errors. Meanwhile, Bangladesh arrive in Abu Dhabi with momentum. They defeated the Netherlands in a home T20I series recently, showcasing a sharp bowling unit and a growing batting confidence. Taskin Ahmed was outstanding with the ball, especially at the death, where his yorkers and pace variations kept batsmen guessing. Nasum Ahmed’s left-arm spin also offered control, a vital weapon in UAE conditions. The batting centres around skipper Litton Das, who is in form, while openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon showed promise in the Netherlands series. The only area of concern is the middle order, which wasn’t fully tested, and in high-pressure Asia Cup games, that could be exposed. Bangladesh made some calculated calls with their squad ahead of the series against the Netherlands. Nurul Hasan and Saif Hassan returned, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mohammad Naim missed out, signalling a shift towards a more aggressive batting approach under their new power-hitting coach Julian Wood. With three consecutive T20I series wins under their belt, including a notable victory over Sri Lanka away from home, Bangladesh know they have the tools to qualify from this group. The key is whether they can translate their fearless six-hitting at home to the slower, bigger grounds of Abu Dhabi. A fast start against Hong Kong could also help them iron out middle-order experiments before they face tougher opponents like Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. The stage at Zayed Stadium adds its own twist. In the opener, Afghanistan struggled early but accelerated later to post 188, before their bowlers dismantled Hong Kong. Dew came in fairly early, which could make chasing a tad easier, but in the UAE, as we saw in the recently concluded Tri-Series, teams batting first won all the games. Expect Bangladesh’s pace trio - Taskin, Mustafizur, and Shoriful - to relish the conditions, while Hong Kong’s spinners could also find some help. All in all, it’s a clash between survival and supremacy. Hong Kong are desperate to keep their campaign alive, while Bangladesh want to set the tone for a strong run in Group B. On paper, Bangladesh are clear favourite, but cricket has a funny way of reminding us about old scars. Ask Bangladesh, as they know that from 2014.