Asia Cup 2025: Bangladesh Cautious, Refuse to Underestimate Hong Kong Challenge

Litton Das, the Bangladesh skipper, indicated that they are not losing their sleep over run-rate as they prepare to take on Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opener at the Sheikh Abu Zayed Stadium on Thursday.

The question of run-rate came up for discussion after Afghanistan earned a 94-run win over Hong Kong. This single factor could prove handy going forward in case three teams find themselves level on points at the end of the group stage.

Litton warned of that approach backfiring if they look too far ahead. "If they play good cricket, it will be tough for us to win by a big margin. We will try to give our hundred percent and aim to win the match. First of all, our main target is winning the match," Litton told reporters ahead of the tournament opener on Thursday.

"Of course, that might be at the back of your mind, but you have to judge how much you can take on that day. It should not backfire. While trying to increase the run rate, we shouldn't lose the match. Our first target is winning. If we are in a good position, our target might change."

Litton added that they are not taking anything for granted against Hong Kong. On paper, Bangladesh are clear favourites against Hong Kong. However, memories still linger of their shock two-wicket defeat to the same side in the 2014 World Cup in Chattogram - a result widely regarded as one of the biggest setbacks in Bangladesh cricket history.

"At the moment, we are playing the first game. We want to win the game and that's the main goal," he said. "First of all, whenever you ask the question to any captain, they will say, cricket is uncertain. You have to play your A-game every match. There will be no opponent who is weaker or stronger. On a given day, anybody can beat anyone." he said.

He also refused to think heat would be a factor to worry about.

"There was no problem in taking the ground. I think most of the players have played here at some point. Not for too long, but at least we have an idea. Of course the heat is the same for everyone. That's why we have to be prepared to give our hundred percent in the match. We will practice as less as possible because we'll need the same energy in the game," he added.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong head coach Kaushal Silva refused to rule out the possibility of an upset when his side takes on Bangladesh in their second group B game.

Silva admitted that his team did not play to their potential best in their outing against Afghanistan on Tuesday, but stressed on the importance of putting that behind them and resetting before facing Bangladesh.

"It was a great experience for our boys, especially playing under lights against a Test playing nation. We didn't have the best day I reckon, but again you know we got a game against Bangladesh. We just need to forget whatever happen today (Tuesday) and reset and then start from ball one on day after tomorrow," Silva had said following his team's loss against Afghanistan.

"It is very important that we forget about whatever happened and try to get anything positive from the next couple of games. We still have a chance and as I said before we haven't played our game,. If we can give ourselves that opportunity you never know how things are going to end up.

"At the end of the day, the Test playing nations are very competitive. But what we can control is to focus on our game and try to get the best out of the next game. We don't think too far ahead. Bangladesh is a quality team, we need to make sure that we also play quality cricket and do well in all three disciplines. Let's see where we end up," he concluded.