The Sports Desk
Teenager Litton Das was the star as Bangladesh began their Asia Cup campaign with a comfortable seven-wicket win over Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. Litton was top-scorer with a fluent 59 off 39, well backed by Towhid Hridoy’s unbeaten 35 off 36 -and then the hosts, chasing 144, lost wickets in clusters. Although there was a quiet period during the middle overs, the pair’s 95-run third wicket partnership ensured Bangladesh coasted home with 14 balls to spare.
The bat was again better for Hong Kong who were only able to manage 94 in their previous game against Afghanistan. Nizakat Khan scored 42, Zeeshan Ali came down at 30 while captain Yasim Murtaza also contributed with a quick-fire 28 to take their side to 143 for 7. But it wasn’t enough after Litton and Hridoy got their eyes in at the crease chasing down the total.
Earlier, the disciplined bowling performance of Bangladesh which placed them firmly in contention. Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2 for 21) bowled quick and swinging deliveries, bouncing out Babar Hayat and Zeeshan. Taskin Ahmed took two wickets and Rishad Hossain a match-shaping 19th over, where he dismissed Nizakat and Kinchit Shah off successive balls.
That was a vastly better showing from Hong Kong than their nightmare opener, but their bowlers could not stifle Bangladesh’s measured aggression and running sing the wickets. Dropped catches that hurt them against Afghanistan were not committed this time, but 17 extras conceded allowed Bangladesh to keep their noses in front.
It was Bangladesh’s first T20I win in Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong, on the other hand, they are yet win to a match in the Asia Cup. Litton’s late surge and Hridoy’s composure saw Bangladesh earn their first points without any major alarms.
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