Bangladesh have kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on Thursday night in Abu Dhabi against Hong Kong, taking what appears to be the softest assignment in Group B.

After winning the toss at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Bangladesh skipper Litton Das chose to bowl first.

Hong Kong, who suffered a heavy 94-run defeat against Afghanistan in the tournament opener, will send their openers to the crease shortly.

After winning the toss, skipper Litton Das said, “We’ll bowl first. First game for us, don't know how the pitch will behave so looking to bowl. Have played very good cricket in the last three series but these are different conditions.”

The Tigers line up with balance in mind—three fast bowlers in Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib; spin options through Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain; and a batting order anchored by Litton himself alongside young openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan Tamim. Middle-order firepower comes through Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, and Jaker Ali.

Litton,underlined the importance of consistency in his pre-match words, “Every game is important for us,” expressing his intention to give 100 percent.

Hong Kong’s skipper Yasim Murtaza welcomed the outcome of the toss with optimism.

“We got what we wanted. Made few mistakes in the middle with the batters in the last game. Whatever has happened has happened in the past. New day today,” he remarked, rallying his teammates to turn the page.

Playing XIs

Bangladesh: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das(w/c), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.

Hong Kong: Zeeshan Ali(w), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Kalhan Challu, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza(c), Aizaz Khan, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla