Bangladesh secured a crucial seven-wicket victory over a spirited Hong Kong to kick off their Asia Cup campaign, but the win was more a product of professional resolve than outright dominance. Chasing a competitive target of 144, the team was anchored by a masterful half-century from Litton Das, whose composed innings ensured there would be no opening-day upset. While Bangladesh ultimately collected the points they came for, Hong Kong’s vastly improved performance with the bat provided a proper contest and gave the favorites a valuable workout.
After being skittled for just 94 in their opening match against Afghanistan, Hong Kong produced a much more resilient and competitive performance with the bat, posting a respectable 143 for 7. Despite losing an early wicket, a steadying partnership between Nizakat Khan (42) and Zeeshan Ali (30) ensured they did not suffer another top-order collapse. The innings was given a late injection of momentum by captain Yasim Murtaza, who played a brisk knock of 28 from 19 balls. While they struggled to find consistent big hits against a disciplined Bangladesh attack in the final overs, their ability to build partnerships and post a challenging total was a significant improvement and a clear statement of their intent to compete.
Bangladesh's chase did not get off to the smoothest of starts, as they lost two early wickets inside the powerplay. However, any hopes of a Hong Kong upset were systematically dismantled by a superb 95-run third-wicket partnership between Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy. The pair navigated a tricky middle-overs period where boundaries were hard to come by, focusing instead on sharp running between the wickets to keep the scoreboard ticking and the required run rate under control.
Litton anchored the chase beautifully, initially accumulating runs before breaking free to accelerate towards his fifty, which he reached in just 33 balls. His brilliant 59 from 39 balls was the cornerstone of the victory, taking the pressure off the chase and guiding his team to the brink of the target. Hridoy played the perfect supporting role, finishing with an unbeaten 35.
Earlier, the Bangladesh bowlers had laid a solid foundation, led by the impressive young pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib. He set the tone with his pace and late swing, claiming two crucial early wickets to finish with figures of 2 for 21. The spinners also played their part, with leg-spinner Rishad Hossain striking a decisive blow in the 19th over by dismissing the well-set Nizakat Khan and trapping Kinchit Shah LBW off successive deliveries. While Hong Kong showed fight, the disciplined and varied Bangladesh attack ensured they were never able to truly break free and post a match-winning total, ultimately paving the way for a successful, if hard-fought, run chase.
