Bangladesh A produced a commanding all-round performance to outplay Hong Kong in the third match of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, held at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. A blazing century from Habibur Rahman Sohan and a ruthless cameo by Akbar Ali powered Bangladesh A to an emphatic eight-wicket victory.
A Toss That Set the Tone
Bangladesh A won the toss and opted to bowl first, aiming to exploit the pitch early and restrict Hong Kong to a manageable total. Their game plan was straightforward: apply pressure with disciplined bowling and chase down whatever came their way with aggressive intent.
Hong Kong’s Innings: A Fighting Total, but Far from Enough
Hong Kong managed to put up 167/8 in 20 overs, a score that looked competitive initially but lacked the cushion needed against a strong Bangladesh batting unit.
Their innings featured occasional bursts of momentum, but regular wicket losses hurt their rhythm. The top-order attempted to build partnerships, only to be halted by Bangladesh’s consistent bowling attack. The middle-order pushed the score towards respectability, yet the innings never truly broke free into high-scoring territory.
Bangladesh A’s bowlers maintained control for most of the innings with smart variations, forcing Hong Kong to work for every run.
Bangladesh A’s Explosive Chase
Needing 168 runs, Bangladesh A approached the chase with clear intent: finish the job quickly and decisively. What followed was a relentless batting assault that left Hong Kong with no answers.
Sohan’s Stunning Century
Habibur Rahman Sohan was the star of the match.
He smashed a sensational 100 off just 35 balls, an innings packed with clean hitting and supreme timing. His knock featured:
- 8 fours
- 10 sixes
Sohan’s approach was fearless, punishing anything loose and even attacking good deliveries. His aggressive stroke play ensured that Bangladesh stayed far ahead of the required run rate from the start.
Jishan Alam’s Steady Support
At the other end, Jishan Alam provided steady support, rotating strike and ensuring Sohan had maximum time to dominate. Their partnership laid the foundation of a chase that looked effortless.
Akbar Ali’s Five-Six Blitz
If Sohan’s fireworks were not enough, Akbar Ali arrived and turned the match into a spectacle.
Facing Kinchit Shah, Akbar hammered five consecutive sixes in one over, shattering any remaining hopes Hong Kong might have had. He finished with a brisk 41, sealing the chase in style.
Result: A One-Sided Affair
Bangladesh A reached 171/2 within just 11 overs, completing the chase with 9 overs to spare. It was a strong statement from a team that looked confident, disciplined, and extremely powerful in their approach.
Key Takeaways from the Match
1. Sohan’s Century Sets a Benchmark
His explosive hundred will be remembered as one of the standout performances of the tournament. The control and aggression he showed lifted the entire team.
2. Akbar Ali’s Raw Power Seals the Deal
Akbar’s five-six burst showcased Bangladesh’s batting depth and their ability to finish matches aggressively.
3. Balanced Bowling Effort
Bangladesh A’s bowlers deserve credit for restricting Hong Kong to a chaseable target. Their discipline with line and length never allowed Hong Kong to dominate.
4. Hong Kong Showed Spirit but Lacked Consistency
Although Hong Kong reached a decent total, the lack of partnerships and frequent wickets prevented them from posting a more competitive score.
Conclusion
Bangladesh A delivered a near-perfect performance, excelling in every department. Their approach in this match sends a strong message to the other teams in the tournament—this squad is not only in form but also confident and fearless. Hong Kong, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly and strengthen both their batting consistency and bowling discipline as the tournament progresses.
