Sports Desk : Bangladesh kicked off their 2024 Asia Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling Hong Kong by 7 wickets with 14 balls to spare in a commanding performance at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a modest target of 144, the Tigers delivered a composed, clinical chase, showcasing depth in batting and precision in bowling, to secure a vital win in their opening match of the tournament.

Hong Kong’s fractured innings: 143 all out

Hong Kong, electing to bat first, struggled against a disciplined Bangladesh pace attack. Their innings never gained momentum, collapsing from a promising start to be bowled out for just 143 in 19.4 overs.

The breakthrough came early, courtesy of Taskin Ahmed, who induced an edge from opener Angshuman Rath (4 off 5), initially not given lbw, but overturned on review after Liton Das appealed. The decision set the tone for Bangladesh’s aggressive fielding and tactical discipline.

Fast-rising pacer Tanzim Hasan Shakib then exploded onto the scene. In his fifth over, he uprooted Babar Hayat’s middle stump with a searing inswinging delivery after the batter had smashed him for a six – a devastating one-two punch that shifted momentum entirely.

Shakib struck again in the 12th over, trapping Zeesan Ali (30 off 34) leg before with a sharp bouncer that took the top edge. Mustafizur Rahman produced a sensational diving catch at mid-wicket, prompting commentator Ian Bishop to exclaim: “What a catch! That’s world-class reflexes!”

A brief recovery came via Yasim Mortaza and Nizakat Khan, who added 46 runs for the fourth wicket in just 34 balls. But their partnership was broken when Mustafiz and Rishad Hossain combined for a brilliant run-out of Yasim (28 off 19).

Hong Kong’s tail collapsed dramatically in the final overs. Rishad Hossain ripped through the lower order, claiming two wickets in consecutive balls, dismissing Eijaz Khan and Mohammad Saifullah in the 19th over. Taskin Ahmed wrapped up the innings in the second ball of the 20th over, clean-bowling last man Anshuman Rath for a duck.

Bangladesh’s calm chase: From early wobbles to clinical finish

In reply, Bangladesh lost two quick wickets early, but showed remarkable composure under pressure.

Opener Parvez Hossain Emon (24 off 14) fell to Ayush Shukla, lofting a simple catch to deep mid-wicket. Tamim Iqbal (14 off 18) followed soon after, also caught in the deep off Atif Iqbal.

Enter Liton Das, the captain and batting lynchpin. With the score at 68/2 in the 11th over, Liton took charge in style. He carved the Hong Kong spinners with elegant drives and punished loose deliveries with ferocious power, racing to a blistering 59 off just 39 balls (8 fours, 3 sixes). His innings anchored the chase and crushed any hope of a Hong Kong comeback.

He departed in the 17th over with just 2 runs needed, caught at long-on off Atif Iqbal. But there was no panic.

Towhid Hridoy, promoted to No. 4, remained calm as ever. He partnered with wicketkeeper Zaker Ali Anik (0*) to guide Bangladesh home with ease. Hridoy finished unbeaten on 22* off 24 balls, sealing the win with a single to fine leg, sparking wild celebrations among teammates and fans.

Player of the match: Tanzim Hasan Shakib

The 22-year-old right-arm pacer emerged as Bangladesh’s most dangerous weapon, finishing with figures of 2 for 24 in 4 overs, including two critical wickets in his opening spell that derailed Hong Kong’s hopes. His ability to swing the ball both ways and strike with yorkers made him unplayable on a flat pitch.

What it means

This emphatic victory gives Bangladesh crucial momentum heading into their next clash against India on Sunday. After years of inconsistency, this performance, particularly the maturity shown in the chase and the collective impact of the bowling unit, signals a renewed intent under Liton Das’ leadership.

Hong Kong, despite a valiant effort from Zeesan Ali and Yasim Mortaza, were outclassed in every department. They now face an uphill battle to stay alive in Group A.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, have sent a clear message: they’re not here just to participate — they’re here to win.

Next Up:

Bangladesh vs India – Sunday, September 15 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka – Friday, September 13 | Abu Dhabi