Bangladesh have made a strong start in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four by beating Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in Dubai. Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy were the stars with the bat, both scoring fifties to secure the win. With three victories out of four games in the tournament so far, the Tigers are carrying good momentum.
But now comes their toughest challenge, defending champions and tournament favorites India. To stand a chance against such a powerhouse side, Bangladesh will need to iron out some glaring issues.
Let’s break down the 3 mistakes they need to fix before stepping onto the field against India.
1. Struggles In Powerplay Bowling
One of Bangladesh’s main weaknesses has been their performance with the ball in the first six overs. In four matches so far, their bowlers have given away 169 runs in 24 overs, taking just 6 wickets. That translates into a strike rate of 24 balls per wicket, an economy of 7.04 runs per over, and an average of 28.17.
In simpler terms, Bangladesh have been economical at times, but they’re not taking enough wickets early on. Against Sri Lanka, their bowlers leaked runs heavily in the powerplay. And this is worrying because India have destructive top-order, who can punish loose bowling right from the start.
If Bangladesh don’t strike early, they risk India running away with the game in the first 10 overs itself. Their bowlers need tighter lines, smarter variations, and more aggression in the powerplay.
2. Weak Lower-Middle Order
Bangladesh’s top and middle-order batters, especially Towhid Hridoy, have carried much of the scoring load. But from batting positions 5 to 8, the output has been underwhelming. In four innings so far, these positions have produced only 151 runs at a strike rate of 120.80.
Players
Mat
Runs
Ave
SR
6
4
151
37.75
120.80
That’s far below expectations in T20 modern-day cricket, especially when setting or chasing big targets. A solid lower middle order is crucial for finishing games strongly, adding 30–40 extra runs, or rescuing the side if the top order fails.
Against India, this becomes even more important. India are excellent at chasing totals, and if Bangladesh bat first, they need to post a big score. Without contributions from the lower middle order, they may fall short of competitive totals, leaving their bowlers under pressure.
While Bangladesh’s pace attack has been decent, their spinners haven’t delivered at the same level. Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Nasum Ahmed together have bowled 29 overs for 10 wickets, conceding 196 runs at an average of 19.6 and economy around 7.
Player
Mahedi Hasan
Rishad Hossain
Nasum Ahmed
Matches
3
3
2
Overs
12
9
8
Runs
82
67
47
Wkts
4
4
2
Ave
21
17
24
Econ
7
7
6
[Asia Cup Stats of Bangladesh's spinners]
Compare this with India’s spinners, who are averaging just 8.5 runs per wicket, and Pakistan’s at 12.5, and the gap is clear. Bangladesh’s spinners are not putting enough pressure in the middle overs.
This is dangerous against India, a team stacked with spin-hitters like Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma. If Bangladesh’s spinners can’t control runs or take wickets in the middle phase, India will dominate and finish with massive totals.
Bangladesh have shown fight in this Asia Cup, but beating India requires more than just heart. They need early wickets in the powerplay, stronger finishes from the lower-middle and more. If they fix these three areas, they can give India a tough contest.
![Bangladesh Cricket [Source: @BCBtigers/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1758451936420_Bangladesh_Cricket.jpg?type=hq)
Bangladesh Cricket [Source: @BCBtigers/X.com].jpg)
