Asia Cup 2025: India warned against underdog Bangladesh ahead of Super 4 clash

India may enter Dubai as favourites, but Bangladesh’s underdog tag is deceptive and dangerous.

Historically, the Tigers have thrived on big occasions, catching bigger teams off guard. From their memorable 2007 World Cup win over India in Port of Spain, to defeating Australia in Cardiff in 2005, and stunning England in the 2011 World Cup, Bangladesh has repeatedly demonstrated they can rise to the occasion. So, complacency is a luxury India cannot afford heading into the Asia Cup Super 4 clash.

Bangladesh’s cricketing identity is built on resilience and fight. Their spinners exploit slow, turning pitches, while their seamers know how to apply pressure in the death overs. Their batting line-up is fearless and capable of counter-attacking, often stretching matches longer than anticipated. The Dubai pitch favors batsmen, particularly in the second half of innings, but Bangladesh’s bowlers can force India’s stroke-makers into mistakes. One misread session, a sudden collapse, or a costly over could give the Tigers the opening they need to pull off an upset.

Shakib-less but still dangerous
Even without all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh remains formidable. Saif Hassan, fresh off a match-winning knock against Sri Lanka, has emerged as a key game-changer. Towhid Hridoy, the team’s leading run-scorer in the Asia Cup so far, brings stability at the top, complemented by Litton Das, who recently became Bangladesh’s all-time leading T20I run-scorer. Tanzid Hasan Tamim can convert starts into big scores, while Jaker Ali Anik offers explosive firepower in the death overs.

On the bowling front, Mustafizur Rahman continues to be a world-class death bowler, combining pace, cutters, and sharp strikes to trouble any batting line-up. With a mix of youth, skill, and fearless intent, Bangladesh cannot be underestimated. Star absences don’t equate to weakness in T20 cricket, and the Tigers have repeatedly proved that.

Bangladesh has made India sweat before
Bangladesh has consistently challenged India in high-pressure games. The 2007 World Cup saw them shock India with a five-wicket win, snatching victory with nine balls to spare. In the 2015 home ODI series, they dominated India 2–1, with Mustafizur Rahman taking twin five-wicket hauls. Even in tighter contests, Bangladesh has tested India’s nerves: the 2018 Asia Cup final saw India scrape through by three wickets, while the Nidahas Trophy final that year went down to the last ball. Litton Das’s 21-ball fifty at the 2022 Adelaide Oval nearly sealed another upset.

Bangladesh also pushed India hard in the 2016 Asia Cup final and the 2016 T20 World Cup in Bengaluru, where they fell agonizingly short by just two runs. From near upsets to memorable victories, the Tigers have proven they can stretch India to the limit, demanding absolute focus from the favourites.

On paper, India appears in control, bolstered by experience and a four-match unbeaten run in the Asia Cup. But Bangladesh thrives on pressure and momentum, ready to turn the heat up and spoil India’s party.