Abu dhabi: Bangladesh captain Liton opted to send Hong Kong into bat first after winning the toss in their Asia Cup opening game at Zayed Stadium today. Liton explained that the uncertainty surrounding the pitch conditions influenced their decision to bowl first.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Liton expressed caution about the pitch behavior, stating, “It’s the first game for us, don’t know how the pitch will behave so looking to bowl.” He emphasized the importance of adapting to the different conditions despite their recent successes, saying, “We’ve played very good cricket in the last three series but these are different conditions. We’ve to give 100 percent.”
Bangladesh fielded what is considered their first-choice XI, comprising three seamers, two spinners, and six batters. Towhid Hridoy was chosen over Saif Hasan despite not having scored a fifty in his last 12 innings.
For Hong Kong, this match holds significant importance as it is their second game in the tournament. They are eager to stay in the Super 4 race after a 94-run defeat against Afghanistan in their opening match. Despite Bangladesh being the favorites, Hong Kong hopes to replicate their 2014 success when they defeated Bangladesh by two wickets in a T20 World Cup game.
Hong Kong captain Yasim Murtaza expressed his disappointment at losing the toss, stating, “We (also) wanted to bat first.” Reflecting on their previous game against Afghanistan, Murtaza acknowledged, “We made few mistakes in the middle with the batters in the last game. Whatever has happened has happened in the past. New day today.”
Line Ups:
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Liton Das (capt and wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Patwari, Jaker Ali Anik, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.
Hong Kong, China: Zeeshan Ali (wk), Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Kalhan Challu, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (capt), Aizaz Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan.