Abu Dhabi, 11 September 2025 — Bangladesh began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in style, easing past Hong Kong with a commanding 7-wicket victory at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Anchored by a fluent 59 from Litton Das, the Tigers chased down Hong Kong’s 143 with 14 balls to spare, signaling their intent in the group stages.
Hong Kong’s Steady Start, Sluggish Finish
Put into bat first, Hong Kong looked steady at the start. Captain Nizakat Khan (42 off 40) kept the scoreboard ticking with composed stroke play, while Zeeshan Ali (30 off 34) provided valuable support in the middle overs.
However, Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened their grip as the innings wore on. The final five overs yielded fewer boundaries than Hong Kong would have hoped, leaving them at a modest 143/7 in 20 overs.
Key bowling contributions:
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib: 2/21 (disciplined with the new ball)
- Rishad Hossain: 2 wickets with clever variations
- Taskin Ahmed: 1 wicket, building pressure with pace
Litton Das Steals the Show
Bangladesh’s chase began on a confident note. Litton Das took the attack to Hong Kong’s bowlers early, finding gaps and punishing anything loose. His 59 off 39 balls, laced with crisp boundaries, set the tone.
Though Tanzid Hasan fell cheaply, and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto departed after a brisk cameo, Bangladesh were never in trouble. Towhid Hridoy anchored the latter half of the chase with an unbeaten *35, guiding the side home in 17.4 overs.
Match Summary
Hong Kong: 143/7 (20 overs)
- Nizakat Khan 42 (40), Zeeshan Ali 30 (34)
- Tanzim Sakib 2/21, Rishad Hossain 2 wickets
Bangladesh: 144/3 (17.4 overs)
- Litton Das 59 (39), Towhid Hridoy 35* (28)
- Aftab Hussain 1/25
Result: Bangladesh won by 7 wickets
Why This Win Matters
- Momentum Builder: Starting a tournament with a convincing win is crucial. Bangladesh showed balance across batting and bowling.
- Litton’s Return to Form: His authoritative half-century boosts confidence ahead of tougher fixtures.
- Bowling Depth: With wickets shared among the attack, Bangladesh displayed their ability to adapt against different batting styles.
Looking Ahead
Bangladesh will next face a sterner test against one of the tournament heavyweights. Their ability to start well in the powerplay and hold composure in middle overs will be key. For Hong Kong, positives lie in their top order’s resistance, but they will need sharper finishing with both bat and ball to cause an upset in upcoming games.
Final Word
The result may not have surprised many, but the manner of Bangladesh’s win certainly impressed. By blending controlled bowling, disciplined fielding, and a commanding batting display, the Tigers have announced themselves as serious contenders in the Asia Cup 2025.