Bangladesh opened their Asia Cup campaign in style, defeating Hong Kong China by seven wickets in Abu Dhabi to claim two valuable points. Captain Litton Das led from the front with the bat, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain made telling contributions with the ball.
Hong Kong were restricted to 143, with Tanzim returning figures of 2 for 21, including a maiden over, and Rishad claiming 2 for 31. After the match, Litton praised the attack:
“We played really well today. In the last few years, our pace bowling department has done very well, and we were just looking for a leg-spinner, Rishad did really well.”
The chase was completed in 17.4 overs despite Bangladesh losing both openers early at 47. Litton anchored the reply with a fluent 59 from 39 balls, sharing a 95-run stand off 69 deliveries with Towhid Hridoy. The latter remained unbeaten on 35 from 36, striking the winning boundary — his only four of the innings. Litton fell with just two runs needed, bowled attempting to finish the match himself.
Reflecting on conditions, Litton explained:
“The wicket was a bit slow, so in the middle overs we had to be cautious and take advantage of the big ground with singles and doubles.”
Bangladesh arrived at the Asia Cup buoyed by series wins over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Netherlands. Litton underlined the significance of starting with victory:
“Winning the first match was very important. We have played good cricket in the last three series, but the pressure of the Asia Cup can be of a different kind.”
