How did Litton Das lead Bangladesh to a seven-wicket victory over Hong Kong in the Asia Cup?

Abu Dhabi, Sep 12 (NationPress) Captain Litton Das shone brightly with a masterful score of 59 off just 39 deliveries, leading Bangladesh to their inaugural T20I triumph against Hong Kong with a decisive seven-wicket victory during their Asia Cup Group B clash at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

In pursuit of 144, Das formed a crucial partnership of 95 runs off 69 balls with Towhid Hridoy (35 not out), allowing Bangladesh to achieve the target with 14 balls remaining. Litton’s calm fifty, along with a timely acceleration after being 26 off 24 balls, kept Bangladesh firmly in charge of the run chase.

After scoring only 94/9 in their last match against Afghanistan, Hong Kong improved their performance to post a competitive total of 143/7. Contributions came from Nizakat Khan and Zeeshan Ali, who scored 42 and 30, respectively, while captain Yasim Murtaza provided momentum with a fast 28 off 19 balls. However, a series of wickets during the death overs limited Hong Kong's chances of a strong finish.

Choosing to bowl first, Taskin Ahmed claimed the first wicket for Bangladesh, with a full delivery that edged Anshuman Rath on his attempted drive. The initial appeal was turned down, but Bangladesh successfully reviewed the decision as UltraEdge confirmed the nick, leading to Rath's dismissal for the second consecutive match.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib followed suit, taking down Babar Hayat with a brilliant yorker, leaving Hong Kong at 34/2 after the power-play. Zeeshan Ali struggled early, gathering only eight runs off 22 balls before hitting two fours and a six off Mahedi and Rishad.

After the drinks break, Tanzim struck again, dismissing Zeeshan with a back-of-the-length ball that rushed onto him, leading to a catch by a retreating Mustafizur Rahman. Murtaza ignited Hong Kong's innings with aggressive shots against Rishad, before hitting Tanzim and Mahedi for sixes. A mix-up eventually led to Murtaza's run-out for a 19-ball 28.

Nizakat continued the charge, hitting Mustafizur for four and launching Rishad over long-off for six. However, in an attempt for another maximum, Nizakat fell for a 40-ball 42. The dismissal of Kinchit Shah and Aizaz Khan in quick succession saw Hong Kong fall short of the 150-mark.

Bangladesh's innings began with Parvez Hossain Emon hitting two fours and a six off Ayush Shukla in his opening 13 balls. However, Emon was eventually dismissed when he top-edged a shot to deep mid-wicket.

Tanzid Hasan was the next to go, caught by mid-on while attempting to loft pacer Ateeq Iqbal. Despite Hong Kong conceding 11 extras, Bangladesh wrapped up the power-play at 51/2.

Litton and Hridoy kept the momentum going with quick running, bringing up Bangladesh’s hundred in the 13th over. Hong Kong remained competitive by slowing down the pace of their deliveries and showing spirited fielding.

Litton accelerated in the 14th over, hitting a top-edge for four off Shukla, followed by a scoop over the keeper for another boundary, amassing 12 runs in the over. After driving Ehsan Khan through extra cover for four, he powerfully slog-swept Yasim Murtaza for six, reaching his fifty off 33 balls with a brace.

When Murtaza offered width, Litton seized the opportunity, slicing him for another four. Although he couldn’t finish the chase, being bowled out for 59 by Ateeq, Hridoy successfully guided Bangladesh to victory, marking a winning start to their campaign.

Brief Scores: Hong Kong 143/7 (Nizakat Khan 42, Zeeshan Ali 30; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 2-21, Rishad Hossain 2-31) lost to Bangladesh 144/3 in 17.4 overs (Litton Das 59, Towhid Hridoy 35 not out; Ateeq Iqbal 1-13, Ayush Shukla 1-32) by seven wickets.