Asia Cup 2025: India cautioned as underdog Bangladesh loom in Super 4 encounter

India may head into Dubai as favourites, but Bangladesh’s “underdog” tag is often misleading.

Over the years, the Tigers have shown they can trouble even the biggest teams on the grand stage—from their famous 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. Complacency could prove costly for India in their Super 4 clash.

Bangladesh’s cricketing DNA revolves around resilience and fearless intent. Their spinners excel on slow, turning pitches, while seamers thrive under pressure in the final overs. Their batting line-up can counterattack with aggression, often extending matches beyond expectations. In Dubai, where pitches favor batsmen in the second half of the innings, Bangladesh’s bowlers could still challenge India’s stroke-makers. One collapsed session or a few costly overs might be all it takes for an upset.

Shakib-less Bangladesh remains potent
Even without star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh poses a serious threat. Saif Hassan, coming off a match-winning performance against Sri Lanka, has shown he can change the game single-handedly. Towhid Hridoy, the Asia Cup’s top run-scorer for Bangladesh, provides stability at the top, while Litton Das anchors the innings, recently becoming Bangladesh’s all-time leading T20I run-scorer. Tanzid Hasan Tamim has the ability to convert starts into big scores, and Jaker Ali Anik can inflict damage in the death overs.

On the bowling front, Mustafizur Rahman continues to be a lethal force, with his pace, cutters, and knack for picking wickets at crucial moments making him a constant threat. Bangladesh’s blend of youth, skill, and audacity makes them a side India cannot underestimate. In T20 cricket, the absence of a star does not translate to weakness—and the Tigers have proven that time and again.

Bangladesh has troubled India before
Bangladesh has consistently challenged India under pressure. The 2007 World Cup saw them upset India by five wickets, clinching the win with nine balls to spare. In the 2015 home ODI series, they defeated India 2–1, with Mustafizur Rahman taking twin five-wicket hauls. Even in tighter contests, Bangladesh has kept India on edge: the 2018 Asia Cup final was decided by just three wickets, the Nidahas Trophy final that year went down to the last ball, and Litton Das’s rapid fifty at the 2022 Adelaide Oval nearly handed them another shock.

They also pushed India hard in the 2016 Asia Cup final and the 2016 T20 World Cup in Bengaluru, where they narrowly lost by two runs. From near-upsets to memorable performances, Bangladesh has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to test India’s focus and composure.

On paper, India appears dominant, buoyed by experience and a four-match unbeaten run in the Asia Cup. But Bangladesh thrives in pressure situations, capable of turning matches on their head and threatening the favourites’ supremacy.