Litton Das helps Bangladesh kickstart Asia Cup campaign with easy win vs Hong Kong

Bangladesh captain Litton Das produced a commanding 59-run knock to help his side begin their Asia Cup campaign with an emphatic seven-wicket win over a resilient Hong Kong at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday. The victory also marked Bangladesh's first-ever T20I win against Hong Kong.

Chasing 144, Bangladesh openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan struggled to find rhythm in the early overs, playing cautiously against tight bowling. Emon was trapped LBW, and Tanzid fell soon after, leaving Bangladesh at 47 for two. At this point, Hong Kong had a real chance to put the hosts under pressure.

However, Litton Das and Tawhid Hridoy ensured Bangladesh remained on course during the 144-run chase, forging a steady partnership by rotating the strike and capitalizing on loose deliveries. Hridoy batted with intent but occasionally struggled to time the ball, while Litton grew in confidence, finding gaps and striking with precision.

Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, Asia Cup: HIGHLIGHTS

His 59 off 39 balls, marked by crisp drives and clever placements, kept Hong Kong’s bowlers under pressure. Boundaries were scarce in the middle overs, but as Hong Kong’s intensity dropped, Litton accelerated, reaching his fifty in just 33 balls. Hridoy then sealed the chase with 16 balls to spare, guiding Bangladesh past the target.

"It was important to win the first game. We have played some good cricket in the last two series, but the Asia Cup can be a different pressure. We played very well today. In the last few years our pace bowling department has done very well, and all we were looking for was a leg spinner and Rishad has done very well," Litton said after Bangladesh's win.