Bangladesh A (Probable XI): Akbar Ali (c), Habibur Rahman Sohan, Mahidul Islam Ankon (wk), Yasir Ali, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Jishan Alam, Rakibul Hasan, Ripon Mondol, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Ariful Islam, Shadhin Islam
Hong Kong (Probable XI): Kinchit Shah, Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Zeeshan Ali (wk), Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza (c), Nasrulla Rana, Ehsan Khan, Ateeq Iqbal, Hassan Khan Mohammad, Mohammad Ghazanfar
Preview by Mohammad Anab
Bangladesh A will look to begin their Asia Cup Rising Stars campaign on a strong note when they meet Hong Kong in a Group A fixture at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on Saturday. The match offers both sides an early opportunity to stamp their authority in a competitive youth-oriented tournament.
Bangladesh A enter the contest as clear favourites, carrying a more balanced squad and greater depth across departments. The side is expected to rely heavily on strike bowler Ripon Mondol, who impressed in the previous edition with his wicket-taking ability. All-rounder Rakibul Hasan and middle-order batter Yasir Ali add further strength, giving Bangladesh A the flexibility to adapt to shifting match situations.
Hong Kong, meanwhile, arrive as underdogs but not without promise. Their hopes will largely hinge on the experienced Babar Hayat, whose aggressive stroke play can unsettle stronger sides, and off-spinner Ehsan Khan, known for creating pressure in the middle overs.
While Bangladesh A start with a considerable edge, Hong Kong will view this match as an opportunity to spring a surprise and gain momentum for the rest of their tournament.
Can Hong Kong start with a win in the tournament by defeating Bangladesh A? Join us at 11 AM IST (8:30 AM Local Time) on Saturday for the live coverage.
Hong Kong Squad: Yasim Murtaza (c), Zeeshan Ali (wk), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Shiv Mathur, Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Nasrulla Rana, Ehsan Khan, Ateeq Iqbal, Mohammad Waheed, Mohammad Ghazanfar, Kalhan Challu, Hassan Khan Mohammad
Bangladesh A Squad: Akbar Ali (c), Mahidul Islam Ankon (wk), Yasir Ali, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Abu Hider Rony, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Rakibul Hasan, Ripon Mondol, SM Meherob, Ariful Islam, Shadhin Islam, Tofael Ahmed, Zawad Abrar, Jishan Alam