Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025: Bangladesh A vs Hong Kong – Group A Opener Preview

Doha, 15 November 2025 As the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 heats up in Doha, the spotlight shifts to Group A for its curtain-raiser: Bangladesh A versus Hong Kong at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium. Kicking off at 12:00 PM IST (6:30 AM GMT, 9:30 AM local), this T20 clash pits Bangladesh’s developmental firepower against Hong Kong’s resilient associate grit. Coming hot on the heels of yesterday’s double-header—where Pakistan Shaheens edged Oman by 40 runs and India A demolished UAE by 148—these two sides enter winless but hungry. For Bangladesh A, captained by the experienced Akbar Ali, a strong start is crucial before tougher tests against Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A. For Hong Kong, led by the dynamic Yasim Murtaza, it’s a chance to upset the odds and build momentum in a group stacked with heavy weights. This rebranded Emerging Teams Asia Cup, running from November 14-23, features eight nations in a crisp T20 format: top two from each group advance to semifinals on November 21, with the final on November 23. All action unfolds at Doha’s balanced venue, where true bounce aids early strokeplay but dew and spin grip later in evening games. Yesterday’s high-scoring affairs (Pakistan 220/4, India 297/4) signal flat tracks—expect totals around 170-180 to be par.Head-to-head? Bangladesh hold a 3-0 edge in T20Is, including a 72-run thrashing in the 2024 Asia Cup qualifiers. But Hong Kong’s recent form—upsetting higher-ranked sides in ACC events—adds intrigue. Bangladesh A, with BPL-tested talent, are favorites (75% win probability), but Hong Kong’s all-round depth could force a chase thriller under dew.

Key Stat: Bangladesh A vs Hong Kong

Bangladesh A’s pace trio took 8 wickets in their last T20 outing; Hong Kong’s spinners conceded just 5.8 rpo in middle overs during qualifiers.

The Venue: Bangladesh A vs Hong Kong

Doha’s Batter’s Paradise with a TwistWest End Park rewards aggressive openers with true pace and bounce, but the afternoon slot (12:00 PM IST) means minimal dew—toss winners may bat first. Spinners like Bangladesh’s Mrittunjoy Chowdhury and Hong Kong’s Ehsan Khan could dominate post-powerplay. Average 1st innings: 165. Weather: Sunny, 30°C—ideal for sixes.

Bangladesh A Squad

Bangladesh A: Pace Fire and Middle-Order Muscle Under Akbar Ali (c, wk)—the 2022 U-19 WC-winning skipper—this squad blends youth with BPL experience. They aim to channel senior Bangladesh’s white-ball resurgence.

Full Squad: Akbar Ali (c/wk), Md. Habibur Rahman, Yasir Ali, Jishan Alam, Ariful Islam, Rakibul Hasan, Mahidul Ankon (wk), Tofael Ahmed Rayhan, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Meherob Hasan, Ripon Mondol, Abu Hidar Rony, Md. Shadin Islam, Zawad Abrar, Md. Abdul Gaffar.

Probable XI: Jishan Alam, Towhid Hridoy, Yasir Ali, Ariful Islam, Rakibul Hasan, Akbar Ali (c/wk), Mahidul Ankon, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Meherob Hasan, Ripon Mondol, Zawad Abrar.
Impact Subs: Tofael Ahmed Rayhan, Abu Hidar Rony, Md. Shadin Islam.Strengths: Fiery pace from Ripon Mondol (14 T20 wickets @ 18) and spin variety (Zawad Abrar’s mystery leg-spin). Batting depth with Towhid Hridoy (elegant anchor, 300+ BPL runs).X-Factor: Jishan Alam—opener with 150+ SR; could target Hong Kong’s seamers early.Tactical Playbook: Powerplay aggression (50+ in 6 overs), middle-overs spin choke, death yorkers from Meherob Hasan.

Hong Kong Squad

Hong Kong: Associate Grit and All-Round PunchYasim Murtaza (c) leads a battle-hardened side qualified via the 2024 ACC Premier Cup. Veterans like Babar Hayat bring experience, but youth like Anshuman Rath adds flair.Full Squad: Yasim Murtaza (c), Zeeshan Ali (wk), Nizakat Khan, Narula Rana, Hassan Khan, Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Ehsan Khan, Kalhan Challu, Md. Ghazanfar, Aizaz Khan, Ateeq Iqbal, Shiv Mathur, Kinchit Shah, Md. (incomplete in sources; assume 15 players with above core).Probable XI: Nizakat Khan, Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Yasim Murtaza (c), Hassan Khan, Kinchit Shah, Zeeshan Ali (wk), Ehsan Khan, Aizaz Khan, Ateeq Iqbal, Md. Ghazanfar.
Impact Subs: Narula Rana, Kalhan Challu, Shiv Mathur.Strengths: Spin duo of Ehsan Khan (20 T20I wickets) and Aizaz Khan (seam all-rounder). Explosive middle order with Babar Hayat (500+ T20 runs @ 130 SR).X-Factor: Yasim Murtaza—left-arm spinner and lower-order hitter; took 3/18 in last ACC outing.Tactical Playbook: Early wickets via seam (Aizaz), spin strangle in middle, chase smartly if dew aids.

Match Prediction: Bangladesh A vs Hong Kong

Bangladesh A to Edge a Low-Scorer Bangladesh A’s superior depth should prevail on a turning track—expect their spinners to stifle Hong Kong’s chase. Bold Call: Bangladesh 168/5 (Hridoy 60) batting first; Hong Kong 145/7 (Hayat 50). Bangladesh win by 23 runs. Toss: Bat first to set a platform.

Tournament Schedule Snapshot (Group A Focus | All Times IST | Venue: West End Park, Doha)Group stage: Nov 15-19. Semis: Nov 21. Final: Nov 23 (7:00 PM).

Group A Standings (Pre-Match): All at 0 points. A win catapults the victor to early pole position.

How to Watch: Bangladesh A vs Hong Kong

Live Scores, Telecast, and Streaming Details Tune in for every boundary—full coverage in India.

• Live Scores: Real-time updates on ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and Sony LIV (free scorecards with stats).
• Live Telecast (India):
  • Sony Sports Ten 1 / Ten 1 HD (English).
  • Sony Sports Ten 3 / Ten 3 HD (Hindi).
  • Regional feeds on Sony Sports 3/4.
• Live Streaming (India & Global):
  • Sony LIV app/website (₹299/month; HD, replays, commentary by Sanjay Manjrekar & Robin Uthappa).
  • FanCode (pay-per-match in select regions).
  • Free highlights on ACC YouTube post-match.
• Radio: Commentary on Radio Mirchi (India) or global apps like TuneIn.

For Bangladesh: GTV. Hong Kong: Local streams. Start: 12:00 PM IST = 9:30 AM Doha / 5:30 AM GMT.

Day 2 of the Rising Stars dawns with underdogs dreaming big. Bangladesh A seek dominance; Hong Kong, defiance. Who claims the Group A bragging rights? The first ball will tell.