Bangladesh Beat Hong Kong by 7 Wickets to Open Asia Cup Campaign

Bangladesh Overcome Early Hiccups

Bangladesh finally got off the mark in Abu Dhabi, getting their first T20I victory at the venue with a seven-wicket win over Hong Kong in the Asia Cup 2025. While the scorecard may suggest a comfortable chase, the match tested Bangladesh’s serenity before Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy combined to guarantee no upset was on the cards.

Litton Das Leads the Charge

Chasing 144, Bangladesh’s openers showed attacking intent but fell cheaply. Parvez Hossain Emon’s 19 off 14 ended with a miscue, while Tanzid Hasan scratched his way to 14 before edging to slip. At 47/2, the game was evenly poised, and Hong Kong sensed an opening.

That was until Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy stitched together a match-winning stand of 95. Litton showcased patience early before switching gears, racing from 26 off 24 balls to a half-century off 33. His eventual 59 off 39, packed with six fours and a six, broke Hong Kong’s grip on the middle overs.

Towhid Hridoy’s 35 not out ensured Bangladesh crossed the line without further drama, his controlled approach keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Tanzim Sakib and Spinners Keep HK in Check

Earlier, Tanzim Hasan Sakib set the tone with the new ball. Bowling at brisk pace, he uprooted Babar Hayat with late swing before bouncing out Zeeshan Ali to finish with 2/21. Taskin Ahmed supported with two strikes of his own, removing Anshy Rath early and chipping in at the death.

Spin played its part too. Rishad Hossain claimed two wickets in two balls, removing the well-set Nizakat Khan (42) and Kinchit Shah to halt Hong Kong’s momentum at a crucial stage.

Despite a lively 28 from captain Yasim Murtaza, Hong Kong’s innings never hit full throttle. They posted 143/7, an improvement on their collapse against Afghanistan, but still short of a match-winning total.

Hong Kong Improve but Remain Winless

For Hong Kong, there were positives. Zeeshan Ali (30) and Nizakat Khan (42) provided stability, and their 41-run stand gave their innings shape. But soft dismissals, extras conceded, and another run-out at a key moment cost them dearly.

While their bowlers held firm during the middle overs, their inability to sustain pressure against Litton and Hridoy meant Bangladesh coasted home with 14 balls to spare.

Brief Scores

Hong Kong 143/7 (20 overs): Nizakat Khan 42 (40), Zeeshan Ali 30 (34), Yasim Murtaza 28 (19); Tanzim Sakib 2/21, Rishad Hossain 2/31, Taskin Ahmed 2/38.
Bangladesh 144/3 (17.4 overs): Litton Das 59 (39), Towhid Hridoy 35* (36); Ateeq Iqbal 2/14.
Result: Bangladesh won by 7 wickets.
Player of the Match: Litton Das.