Bangladesh’s XI against Hong Kong

Bangladesh has not won the title despite playing in the final three times in the history of the Asia Cup. This time, the Tigers have gone to the United Arab Emirates with the big dream of lifting the trophy. On that mission, Liton Das' team will take the field against Hong Kong in their first match today, Thursday (September 11). The match will start at 8:30 pm Bangladesh time at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

How can Bangladesh form an XI for their first match in the Asia Cup of the T20 format? Tanjid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon are almost certain to open the batting. Captain Liton Das, who has been in great form recently, will be at number three. Liton, the best player in the Sri Lanka series, was also the best player in the latest Netherlands series.

Tauhid Hridoy, who has not scored a fifty in the last 12 innings, is more likely to be out for four. Although he is a bit out of rhythm, Hridoy is currently one of the best middle-order batsmen in the country in terms of ability in T20s. In that case, the chances of spin all-rounder Saif Hasan, who returned to the national team after almost 2 years with the Netherlands series, being in the XI are very small.

Then there are Shamim Hossain Patwari and wicketkeeper batsman Zaker Ali Anik at number five and six. Although Zaker's place in the XI is confirmed, the team management may be hesitant about Shamim's presence or not. However, Shamim may also play on the spin-friendly wickets of Abu Dhabi. He can also do great things in fielding and bowling.

Bangladesh is more likely to play with two spinners and three pacers in bowling. In that case, leg-spinner Rishad Hossain may be the first choice as another spinner along with Sheikh Mehedi Hasan. Bangladesh will also get batting from these two. Tanzim Hasan Shakib can play alongside Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed as pacers.

Bangladesh will also get batting from Tanjim. All-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin is also in the squad. However, Tanjim is more effective as a bowler than Saifuddin. He is now a regular in the team. And there is a high possibility of more runs on Abu Dhabi wickets. Tanjim's batting can be useful for Bangladesh. Therefore, Tanjim is ahead of another pacer, Shariful Islam, in the race to get a place in the playing eleven.

At the press conference before the match, Bangladesh captain Liton Das said that the Bangladesh team will enter the field with the aim of winning, 'If Hong Kong plays good cricket, then it may become difficult for us to win the match by a large margin. So we will try to give our 100% and try to win the match.'

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has faced Hong Kong only once in T20s so far. Bangladesh was embarrassed by losing to weak Hong Kong at home in the T20 World Cup in 2014. Bangladesh lost to Hong Kong by 2 wickets after being all out for 108 runs in the match held in Chittagong. The two teams are facing each other again after almost 11 years of that match.

Bangladesh's probable XI: Tanjid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Liton Kumar Das (captain/wicketkeeper), Towhid Hridoy, Zaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanjim Hasan Shakib and Taskin Ahmed.