Bangladesh Begin Asia Cup With Comfortable Win

News Desk

Islamabad: Skipper Litton Das struck a composed 59 to guide Bangladesh to a seven-wicket victory over Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opener on Thursday.

Batting first in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong posted 143-7, with Nizakat Khan top-scoring on 42. He shared useful partnerships with Zeeshan Ali (30) and captain Yasim Murtaza (28 off 19) before a middle-order collapse, triggered by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, stalled their progress. Rishad claimed two wickets, including Nizakat, while pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib impressed with figures of 2-21. Taskin Ahmed also chipped in with two scalps.

In reply, Bangladesh suffered early setbacks at 47-2, raising Hong Kong’s hopes of an upset. However, Litton combined in a match-winning 95-run stand with Towhid Hridoy (35*), steering the team to 144-3 in 17.4 overs. Litton reached his half-century off 33 balls before falling to Ateeq Iqbal, but Towhid held firm and sealed victory with the winning run.

The defeat was Hong Kong’s second in Group B, following their heavy loss to Afghanistan in the tournament opener. Pakistan begin their campaign on Friday against Oman in Dubai, with the Asia Cup serving both as a regional showdown and preparation for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka early next year.