Bangladesh defeated Hong Kong by seven wickets in their Men’s T20 Asia Cup encounter at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Chasing a target of 144, Bangladesh reached the mark with 14 balls to spare, closing at 144 for 3 in 17.4 overs.
Bangladesh captain Litton Das anchored the chase with a composed 59 off 39 balls, including six fours and one six, before being dismissed with only two runs required. He was supported by Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 35 from 36 deliveries. Parvez Hossain Emon scored 19 off 14 balls, while Tanzid Hasan added 14 from 18.
Ateeq Iqbal was the most successful bowler for Hong Kong, claiming 2 for 14 from 3.4 overs. Ayush Shukla took one wicket for 32 runs.
Earlier, Hong Kong posted 143 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs after being sent in to bat. Nizakat Khan top-scored with 42 from 40 balls, hitting two fours and one six. Zeeshan Ali contributed 30 off 34, while captain Yasim Murtaza made a brisk 28 from 19 deliveries.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain each took two wickets for Bangladesh, with Taskin Ahmed also claiming two. Mustafizur Rahman bowled economically, conceding 22 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket.
Hong Kong’s innings began slowly and lost Anshy Rath early for 4. After reaching 71 for 2, the side managed a late acceleration, largely thanks to Murtaza and Nizakat. However, a cluster of wickets in the final overs restricted their total.
In reply, Bangladesh lost both openers inside six overs but recovered through a 95-run partnership between Litton and Hridoy. A flurry of extras from Hong Kong’s bowlers — including 9 wides and 2 no-balls — further eased the chase.
Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field. The match was played under clear conditions with the Decision Review System (DRS) in use.
TOSS
Bangladesh have elected to field first against Hong Kong in the 3rd match of the Asia Cup at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
Hong Kong XI: Zeeshan Ali (wk), Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Kalhan Challu, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (capt), Aizaz Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan
Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
