(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Asia Cup 2025: Litton Das Shines as Bangladesh Defeat Hong Kong by Seven Wickets
ABU DHABI: Skipper Litton Das led from the front with a brilliant 59 runs as Bangladesh secured a comfortable seven-wicket win over Hong Kong in their opening match of the Asia Cup 2025 on Thursday.
Invited to bat first at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Hong Kong posted 143-7 in 20 overs, with captain Nizakat Khan top-scoring with 42. He was supported by Zeeshan Ali (30) and Yasim Murtaza (28 off 19) in key partnerships. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers struck at crucial moments, with Rishad Hossain taking two important wickets and Tanzim Hasan Sakib finishing with excellent figures of 2-21.
Bangladesh Chase Down the Target
Bangladesh’s chase started shakily at 47-2, giving Hong Kong hope of an upset. But Litton Das partnered with Towhid Hridoy (35 not out) in a match-winning stand of 95 runs. Litton reached his half-century in just 33 balls before falling to Ateeq Iqbal, but Towhid stayed unbeaten to guide his team home at 144-3 in 17.4 overs.
Hong Kong’s Struggles Continue
This was Hong Kong’s second consecutive defeat in Group B, after their heavy 94-run loss to Afghanistan in the tournament opener. Their middle-order resistance faded once Bangladesh’s spinners and pacers tightened control in the death overs.
What’s Next in the Asia Cup 2025
Bangladesh begin their campaign with confidence, while Hong Kong face an uphill task to stay alive in the group. The focus now shifts to Pakistan, who will launch their Asia Cup journey against Oman in Dubai on Friday.
The tournament not only carries regional bragging rights but also serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka.
