The skipper, who top-scored with 59 off 41 balls and was named Player of the Match, stressed the importance of starting the tournament on a winning note.
“It was important to win the first game. We have played some good cricket in the last two series, but the Asia Cup can be a different pressure. We played very well today,” Litton said after the match.
Litton highlighted the progress of Bangladesh’s bowling unit, particularly the impact of young leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who picked up two wickets including the key scalp of Nizakat Khan.
“In the last few years our pace bowling department has done very well, and all we were looking for was a leg spinner and Rishad has done very well,” Litton noted.
Earlier, Hong Kong posted 143-7, with Nizakat (42) and skipper Yasim Murtaza (28) putting up resistance before Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened their grip. Tanzim Hasan Sakib stood out with 2 for 21, while Taskin Ahmed and Rishad also claimed two wickets apiece.
In reply, Bangladesh overcame early jitters at 47-2 thanks to a 95-run partnership between Litton and Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 35 to guide the side home in the 18th over.
Reflecting on the conditions, Litton added: “The wicket was a bit on the slow side so we had to play carefully in the middle overs, and make the most of the big ground with the singles and doubles.”
The victory gave Bangladesh a flying start in Group B, where they will next face tougher challenges against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
