Skipper Litton Das led from the front with a composed 59 off 39 balls as Bangladesh began their Asia Cup campaign with a seven-wicket win over Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
Chasing 144, Litton anchored the innings with a 95-run stand for the third wicket alongside Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 35. Bangladesh overhauled the target with 14 balls to spare, securing their first-ever T20I victory against Hong Kong.
Earlier, Hong Kong recovered from a poor start to post 143/7. Nizakat Khan made 42 off 40 balls, while Zeeshan Ali (30 of 34 balls) and captain Yasim Murtaza (28 off 19) provided brief resistance. But regular strikes from Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2/21) and Rishad Hossain (2/31) ensured the total stayed within reach.
Bangladesh’s chase had its early stumbles with Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan falling inside the powerplay, but Litton’s acceleration after a steady start swung the momentum. He reached his fifty off 33 balls, striking four fours and two sixes before being bowled by Ateeq Iqbal. Hridoy then completed the job with ease.
Brief Scores: Hong Kong 143/7 in 20 overs (Nizakat Khan 42, Zeeshan Ali 30; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 2/21) lost to Bangladesh 144/3 in 17.4 overs (Litton Das 59, Towhid Hridoy 35*) by seven wickets.
