Mens T20 Emerging Asia Cup 2024 Match 1, BAN A vs HK Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Match?
BAN A vs HK Match Prediction [Source: @BCBtigers/x.com, icc-cricket.com]
The stage is set for the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 as Bangladesh A lock horns with Hong Kong in the tournament’s opening match on Friday, October 18 at Al Amerat Cricket Ground Ministry Turf 1. With promising young stars and a pitch primed for action, the two teams will be raring to draw first blood in a competition set to showcase the best of emerging cricketing talent in Asia.
Bangladesh A Squad a Fusion of Big Names & Young Talent
Bangladesh A heads into the tournament with a carefully selected squad. Skipper Akbar Ali, renowned for leading Bangladesh to their historic U19 World Cup win in 2020, will steer the side with his sharp cricketing brain and youthful exuberance.
The squad boasts exciting prospects like Towhid Hridoy and Parvez Hossain Emon, both of whom recently tested their mettle against India’s T20I side. Hridoy, the standout in that series, made a mark with 77 runs at an average of 38.50. In contrast, Emon had a rough patch, amassing only 24 runs. Yet, his inclusion speaks volumes of the faith Bangladesh has in his potential to bounce back and find form.
Rakibul Hasan, another recent participant in the India T20I series, will add depth to the bowling attack, while Maruf Mridha’s call-up reflects his stellar outings in the U19 Asia Cup and U19 World Cup earlier this year.
Power-hitter Shamim Hossain is expected to bolster the middle order, bringing a dash of audacious aggression to the lineup. With the likes of Abu Hider Rony, Jishan Alam, and Ripon Mondol in the mix, Bangladesh A will look to cover all bases and leave no stone unturned as they look to start with a win.
Hong Kong Squad Prepared To Rise To The Occasion
Hong Kong, led by seasoned campaigner Nizakat Khan, brings a balanced lineup filled with experience and youth. Nizakat’s trusted deputy, Yasim Murtaza, will play a key role, and they’ll rely on the likes of Zeeshan Ali, Babar Hayat, and Anshuman Rath to anchor the innings and deliver the goods when the pressure mounts.
With a potent spin attack spearheaded by Ehsan Khan, Anas Khan and all-rounders like Aizaz Khan and Nasrulla Rana, Hong Kong will aim to set or chase a competitive score while keeping Bangladesh A’s powerful lineup in check.
The Hong Kong middle order will likely look to their experienced players for stability, and Anshuman Rath’s ability to counter both pace and spin could prove instrumental.
With fresh talent like Darsh Vora and Ayush Shukla also in the squad, Hong Kong’s side has the diversity and skill to play smart cricket and be tough nuts to crack.
How Will the Al Amerat Cricket Ground Ministry Turf 1 Pitch Behave?
The Al Amerat Cricket Ground Ministry Turf 1, with an average first innings score of 149 across 99 T20I games, has historically been a friendly hunting ground for teams batting second. With the first game of the tournament being played on a fresh wicket, batters will have a field day early on, able to play their strokes confidently. However, as the game progresses, the surface might start to offer grip for the spinners, adding an element of intrigue.
BAN A vs HK: Predicted Toss Result
The pitch’s stats reveal a slight edge for chasing teams, who’ve clinched victory 60 times compared to 39 wins for sides batting first. Expect the captain winning the toss to field first, taking advantage of these favourable chasing conditions.
BAN A vs HK: Players To Watch Out For
Bangladesh A
Batters: Towhid Hridoy, Parvez Hossain Emon
All-rounders: Saif Hassan
Bowlers: Rakibul Hasan, Ripon Mondol
Hong Kong
Batters: Zeeshan Ali, Nizakat Khan
All-rounders: Yasim Murtaza
Bowlers: Ehsan Khan, Anas Khan
BAN A vs HK: Match Prediction
BAN A vs HK: Predicted Score
Predicted first innings score: 150-175
Predicted second innings score: 155-180
Predicted Result: The team bowling first will have an advantage in this match.