Bangladesh beats Hong Kong but lags in net run rate; pressure rises in Asia Cup Super Four race

 Staff Reporter | PNN

At the Sheikh Zayed International Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Bangladesh secured a 7-wicket win over Hong Kong. However, failing to win by a large margin left Bangladesh frustrated in terms of net run rate. While Afghanistan defeated Hong Kong by 94 runs, Bangladesh had to work hard to reach the target, achieving it only in the 18th over.

Batting first after losing the toss, Bangladesh found early success in the field but had to wait for the next breakthrough. Hong Kong’s Jishan Ali and Nizakat Khan built a steady partnership, taking their team to 143/7 in 20 overs. Bangladesh’s most effective bowlers were Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2/21), Rishad (2/31), and Taskin Ahmed (2/38).

Bangladesh’s goal was not just to win, but to do so as quickly as possible. Opener Parvez Hossain started aggressively but could not last long (19 runs), while Tanzid also struggled (14 runs). Captain Liton Das led from the front, scoring 59 off 39 balls. He partnered with Hridoy to add 95 runs off 69 balls, steering the team towards victory. After Liton’s dismissal, Hridoy remained unbeaten with 35 off 36 balls, guiding Bangladesh to the target.

Eventually, Bangladesh chased down the score in 17.4 overs with 3 wickets lost. While fans celebrated the win, the smaller margin compared to Afghanistan means the net run rate pressure remains on the red-and-green side.

Brief Scores:

• Hong Kong: 143/7 in 20 overs (Nizakat 42, Jishan 30, Yaseem 28; Tanzim 2/21, Rishad 2/31, Taskin 2/38)
  
  

• Bangladesh: 144/3 in 17.4 overs (Liton 59, Hridoy 35*, Parvez 19, Tanzid 14; Atik 2/14)
  
  

Result: Bangladesh won by 7 wickets

Man of the Match: Liton Das