Asia Cup: Bangladesh kick-off campaign with win over Hong Kong, Litton Das shines with half-century | Cricket News

Bangladesh pulled off a 7-wicket win in opposition to Hong Kong on Thursday (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Bangladesh started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a seven-wicket win over Hong Kong on Thursday, producing a balanced efficiency with each ball and bat to safe victory with 14 balls to spare. Asked to bowl first, Litton Das’s aspect put Hong Kong beneath stress early. Taskin Ahmed eliminated opener Anshuman Rath for 4, whereas Tanzim Hasan Sakib adopted up with the dismissal of Babar Hayat, bowling him for 14 simply after he had struck a straight six. With each openers again within the pavilion, Hong Kong stumbled to 34 for 2 contained in the powerplay. Zeeshan Ali (30 off 34) tried to stabilise the innings, putting a six over further cowl off Rishad Hossain, however he too fell earlier than the twelfth over, edging Mustafizur Rahman. Captain Yasim Murtaza injected some momentum with a 19-ball 28, highlighted by a pick-up shot off Tanzim that cleared the ropes, however Bangladesh’s assault remained disciplined. Rishad (2/31), Tanzim (2/21) and Taskin (2/38) saved the scoring price in verify, and Hong Kong ultimately managed 143 for seven of their 20 overs. In reply, Bangladesh misplaced Parvez Hossain Emon for 19 after a brisk begin however Litton Das anchored the chase with a composed half-century. Runs dried up briefly after the powerplay, with Bangladesh enduring a 33-ball stretch with out a boundary. However, Das broke the shackles with a slog-swept six off Murtaza earlier than elevating his fifty with a pair. That over alone fetched 16 runs, shifting the momentum firmly in Bangladesh’s favour. Das’s 59 off 39 balls, with his elegant strokeplay on show, set the platform for Towhid Hridoy to shut out the chase. Hridoy remained unbeaten on 35 off 36 deliveries, including 95 runs with his captain for the third wicket. Das fell earlier than the end, however Hridoy hit the profitable run to finish the win in 17.4 overs. The end result handed Hong Kong their second straight defeat within the match, whereas Bangladesh began their campaign on a convincing notice beneath the management of Litton Das.

Brief scores: Hong Kong 143/7 in 20 overs (Nizakat Khan 42, Zeeshan Ali 30; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 2/21, Rishad Hossain 2/31, Taskin Ahmed 2/38). Bangladesh 144/3 in 17.4 overs (Litton Das 59, Towhid Hridoy 35*).