Bangladesh kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in style with a convincing 7-wicket win over Hong Kong in the third match of the tournament, held on Thursday in Abu Dhabi. Chasing a modest target of 144 runs, Bangladesh comfortably reached the total in 17.4 overs, losing just three wickets. Captain Liton Das led from the front with a commanding half-century that set the tone for their chase.
Bangladesh get points on the board ✌️
Disciplined bowling in the first essay followed by a composed & calculated chase see 🇧🇩 open their account without any fuss. 💪#BANvHK #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #ACC pic.twitter.com/xveU92OYzo
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 11, 2025
Hong Kong Post 143 After Struggling Start
After winning the toss, Bangladesh skipper Liton Das opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off early. Hong Kong’s innings never quite found momentum. They lost opener Anshuman Rath for just 4 runs, and Babar Hayat followed soon after with only 14 to his name, leaving the team struggling at 30 for 2.
Zeeshan Ali and Nizakat Khan tried to rebuild with a decent partnership, pushing the score past 70. Zeeshan played a patient knock of 30 from 34 deliveries, which included 3 boundaries and a six, before falling to Tanjim Hasan. Skipper Yasim Murtaza chipped in with a quick 28 off 19 balls but was run out at a crucial moment.
The middle and lower order offered little resistance – Aijaz Khan managed just 5 runs, Kinchit Shah was dismissed without scoring, and tailenders Kalhan Challu (4*) and Ehsan Khan (2*) couldn’t provide the late push.
Nizakat Khan stood out with a composed 42, anchoring the innings before running out of partners. Eventually, Hong Kong finished on 143 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed, Tanjim Hasan Sakib, and Rishad Hossain each took two wickets, keeping the pressure on throughout.
Liton Das and Hridoy Lead the Chase
In response, Bangladesh got off to a steady start but lost opener Parvez Hossain Emon for 19 with the score at 24. Tanjid Hasan Tamim added 14 before being dismissed, bringing together captain Liton Das and middle-order batter Towhid Hridoy.
The pair stitched together a match-winning 95-run partnership, showcasing composure and smart shot selection. Liton Das was in sublime form, scoring 59 off just 38 balls, peppered with six boundaries and a six. His leadership with the bat ensured Bangladesh never lost control of the chase.
Hridoy provided solid support, remaining calm under pressure and contributing 35 runs off 36 deliveries with a boundary to his name. Bangladesh crossed the finish line at 144/3 in 17.4 overs, sealing the match with 14 balls to spare.
A Confident Start for Bangladesh
With this clinical win, Bangladesh has made a strong statement in the early stages of the Asia Cup 2025. The bowlers kept things tight, and the batting lineup delivered with confidence – an all-round performance that will boost their morale for the matches ahead.
Liton Das’s composed half-century and smart captaincy were the highlights of the game, while Hong Kong will look to regroup after a performance that showed glimpses of promise but lacked the finishing touch.