Bangladesh will head to the Asia Cup 2025 with a chip on their shoulder. Led by Litton Das, the team is under transition with many familiar faces not in the T20I scheme of things. Success in multi-nation tournaments has never been Bangladesh’s strong suit, but the Asia Cup 2025 smells like an opportunity Das and Co would want to pounce on.
Bangladesh have won historic T20I series’ against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the build up to the tournament. They play the Islanders in the group stage, while Pakistan could be an opponent should they make it to the Super 4. Bangladesh have never won the Asia Cup in history, but made the finals in the 2016 edition. Taskin Ahmed is the only surviving member of the squad, with Soumya Sarkar among the reserves.
Strengths: Potent bowling attack for UAE conditions
Bangladesh have an experienced and settled pace attack. Between Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, the duo have played nearly 200 T20Is and are comfortable automatic picks in the XI. Add to that the options in Shoriful Islam and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Litton Das has a well rounded pace attack. While Taskin brings in pace, Mustafizur is known for his variations which could be a handful in UAE conditions.
While Mehidy Hasan Miraz missed out, Bangladesh still have Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Nasum Ahmed as the primary spinners. The likes of Shamim Hossain and Saif Hassan can also roll their arm over giving plenty of options to Litton at the Asia Cup 2025.
Weaknesses: Inconsistency and Big game woes
Talent has never been a question with Bangladesh but their consistency has always been found wanting. Captain Litton Das is their best and most consistent performer, but he averages a lowly 23.17 in T20Is. There is a history with collapses and moments that have slipped away from Bangladesh, and Das and Co will hope to avoid the same.
Barring their core, the Bangladesh squad is largely inexperienced playing in multi-nation tournaments. Their golden generation of players have moved on, while the likes of Miraz, Soumya Sarkar and Najmul Shanto also find themselves on the periphery.
Opportunities: Chance at history, player comebacks and new leadership
Bangladesh have never won the Asia Cup in their history. With conditions in favour, Bangladesh could very well fancy their chances in the UAE. In Litton Das, Bangladesh have a reliable leader and a good show could see him force himself into ODI captaincy fray. The likes of Nurul Hasan and Saif Hassan have made their long awaited comebacks and they could etch their place in the squad with a good tournament.
Threats: Tough group, over reliance on key players
Bangladesh have been grouped with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong with only two teams progressing into the Top 4. While Das and Co clinched a series win in Sri Lanka, the Islanders are defending champions in the T20 format. Afghanistan is also a tough nut to crack, meaning it would be a tough group to qualify out of.
Bangladesh’s performances hinge on how their senior pros perform. They are often guilty of blowing hot and cold and that could ultimately decide their Asia Cup 2025 campaign.
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