Bangladesh‘s Asia Cup 2025 campaign began with authority at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi as they faced Hong Kong in the third match of Group B on September 11. After winning the toss and bowling first, the Tigers showcased their bowling strength early, with pace sensation Tanzim Hasan Sakib producing a moment of brilliance that highlighted Bangladesh’s aggressive approach against the struggling Hong Kong side.
The match marked Bangladesh’s tournament opener while Hong Kong entered desperately seeking redemption following their crushing 94-run defeat to Afghanistan two days earlier. With Bangladesh recently securing series victories over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Netherlands, expectations were high for Litton Das‘ team to capitalize on their excellent form in this crucial Group B encounter.
Tanzim Hasan’s unplayable delivery rattles Babar Hayat with a fiery send-off
The defining moment arrived in the fifth over when Tanzim delivered what will be remembered as one of the tournament’s standout dismissals. Bowling to Babar Hayat, who had been Hong Kong’s most resilient batter against Afghanistan, Tanzim unleashed a spectacular delivery that completely deceived the experienced batsman.
The 22-year-old’s ball started on middle stump before swerving away devilishly through the air. Hayat charged down the track attempting to work the ball legside, but the late swing bamboozled him completely. The result was devastating – both middle and off stumps were rattled spectacularly, leaving Hayat stranded on 14 from 12 balls including one six.
What made the dismissal more memorable was Tanzim’s animated celebration. The young bowler celebrated directly in Hayat’s face with a fiery send-off that showcased Bangladesh’s intensity in this crucial encounter. This moment proved particularly satisfying for Tanzim since Hayat had dispatched him for six just one ball earlier, making the wicket dramatically sweeter.
Here’s the video:
Tanzim nets the big fish as Babar Hayat gets cleaned up 🎣
Watch #DPWORLDASIACUP2025 – LIVE on #SonyLIV & #SonySportsNetwork TV Channels 📺#BANvHKC #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/lX3TRMtb39
— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) September 11, 2025
Hong Kong’s powerplay troubles continue
By the mandatory powerplay’s end, Hong Kong found themselves struggling at 34 for 2 after six overs. Hayat’s dismissal proved crucial as he was among only two survivors from Hong Kong’s famous 2014 T20 World Cup upset victory over Bangladesh. His departure exposed Hong Kong’s inexperienced batting lineup against a Bangladesh attack that had been consistently effective during their recent successful run.
Early wickets fell regularly with Anshuman Rath becoming the first casualty in the second over, caught behind off Taskin Ahmed following a successful Bangladesh review. This pattern mirrored Hong Kong’s disastrous performance against Afghanistan where they slumped to 22 for 4 within five overs.
At six overs, Hong Kong’s scoring rate of 5.66 runs per over reflected their struggle to build partnerships. With Zeeshan Ali managing just 5 from 16 balls and their most experienced batter back in the pavilion, another disappointing batting display seemed inevitable. Bangladesh’s clinical powerplay bowling continued their excellent recent form, setting up what appeared to be another comprehensive Asia Cup victory
