Litton, Seamers Guide Tigers to Comfortable Victory in Opener
The Tigers chased down the 144-run target in only 17.4 overs.
Bangladesh eased to victory in their Asia Cup opener, with skipper Litton Das leading the way in a commanding chase.
Set a target of 144, the Tigers sealed the win in just 17.4 overs, cruising to a seven-wicket triumph at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Thursday.
Openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan provided a lively start, adding 50 runs before both departed—Parvez for 19 and Tanzid for 14.
Litton then took charge, turning the contest into a formality with a sparkling 59 off 39 balls, laced with six fours and a six. He built a decisive stand alongside Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 35, guiding Bangladesh home with ease.
The bowlers had already laid the foundation earlier in the day. Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh restricted Hong Kong to 143/7 in 20 overs. Taskin Ahmed struck early, dismissing Anshuman Rath for 5, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib accounted for Babar Hayat (14) and Zeeshan Ali (30).
Zeeshan’s wicket was highlighted by a stunning effort from Mustafizur Rahman, who sprinted back to complete a brilliant over-the-shoulder catch at mid-wicket.
Hong Kong’s middle order tried to rally through Nizakat Khan and Yasim Murtaza, but Murtaza was run out, while Rishad Hossain removed Nizakat and Kinchit Shah in quick succession during the closing stages.
Taskin returned in the final over to bowl out Aizaz Khan, keeping the total below 150. Tanzim, Rishad, and Taskin finished with two wickets apiece, while Mustafizur and Mahedi Hasan bowled tightly despite going wicketless.
The win showcased Bangladesh’s depth and balance, with the pacers—Taskin, Tanzim, and Mustafizur—maintaining control, as they had in the recent Netherlands series. Still, wickets tended to fall in bursts rather than consistently, something the Tigers will want to address before facing tougher Group B rivals Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
Ultimately, Litton’s assured leadership and fluent stroke play, complemented by Towhid’s composure, ensured Bangladesh opened their campaign with authority.
What's Your Reaction?
