Nizakat’s Favorite Player is Shakib, Hong Kong Aims to Dominate with Spin

Hong Kong faced Bangladesh only once in T20 internationals—during the 2014 World Cup at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. That night, they stunned the hosts with a two-wicket win. Leg spinner Nizakat Khan was the hero, dismantling Bangladesh’s batting lineup with a brilliant spell of 3 wickets for just 19 runs.

Recalling that memory nearly a decade later, Nizakat couldn’t hide his excitement, "It was very special because we beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh. We played really well, especially myself. Our spinners did a great job, yes, it’s a very memorable moment. I clearly remember I bowled well along with Nadeem Ahmed. We bowled in tandem, and that’s why Bangladesh collapsed."

Since then, the two teams haven’t met again in T20Is. But that will change in the 2025 Asia Cup, where Hong Kong and Bangladesh clash in the opening match on September 11 in Abu Dhabi.

Nizakat believes his side can pull off something special once again,"Of course, we believe. We have players who can win us matches. And T20 is such a format where just two or three good overs can change the game. It’s a very funny format, you never know. But our team is well prepared."

When asked about his favorite Bangladeshi cricketer, he replied, "It’s Shakib Al Hasan. He isn’t in the squad this time, but he’s always been my favorite Bangladeshi player."

Nizakat also acknowledged Bangladesh’s strength but insists Hong Kong will rely on their spin attack to make the difference again,"Our strength lies in spin bowling—we have Murtaza, Ehsan Khan. Among the batters, there’s Babar Hayat, Zeeshan Ali, Aizaz Khan, who are capable of winning matches for us."