Bangladesh launched their Asia Cup campaign with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, setting an early marker for the regional T20 tournament that doubles as a warm-up for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Hong Kong’s Fighting Total
Asked to bat first, Hong Kong posted a competitive 143-7. Captain Nizakat Khan anchored the innings with a fluent 42, sharing key stands of 41 with Zeeshan Ali (30) and 46 with skipper Yasim Murtaza (28 off 19). Their counterattack lifted the innings after two early wickets, but Bangladesh’s bowlers hit back late.
- Rishad Hossain claimed 2 wickets in one over, including the prized scalp of Nizakat.
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib impressed with 2-21 from four disciplined overs, while Taskin Ahmed also struck twice.
Bangladesh’s Calm Chase
Bangladesh stumbled to 47-2, briefly raising Hong Kong’s hopes, before skipper Litton Das took charge. He crafted a brisk 59 from 39 balls, reaching his fifty in 33, and shared a match-defining 95-run partnership with *Towhid Hridoy (35 off 29)**. Litton eventually fell to medium-pacer Ateeq Iqbal, but Towhid sealed the win with 14 balls to spare as Bangladesh finished on 144-3 in 17.4 overs.
Group B Picture
The result handed Hong Kong their second successive defeat, following a heavy loss to Afghanistan, leaving their qualification hopes slim. Afghanistan and Sri Lanka complete Group B, with the top two sides advancing to the Super Four stage.
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What’s Next
Pakistan begin their own campaign on Friday against Oman in Dubai. For Bangladesh, this win provides both valuable points and momentum as they eye a deep run in a tournament seen as key preparation for the T20 World Cup scheduled for February–March 2026.
