'First target is to win, run-rate talk can wait': Litton ahead of Asia Cup opener against Hong Kong

Bangladesh T20I captain Litton Das has dismissed any talk of past scars ahead of their Asia Cup T20 opener against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, insisting his side are fully focused on starting their campaign with a win.

The Tigers' only previous meeting with Hong Kong in T20Is came in the 2014 T20 World Cup in Chattogram, a match that ended in a shock two-wicket defeat. Litton, however, made it clear that Bangladesh's mindset is different now.

"At this moment, we are not in a position to approach the game with a negative mindset," Litton said in the post-match press conference. "In the recent past, we have played very good cricket and are sufficiently well-prepared for this tournament. We will enter the game with the goal of winning the match. Who we are playing against is secondary, the priority is to play our 100% and give our best effort."

Afghanistan's 94-run victory over Hong Kong in Tuesday's Group B opener has heightened the talk around net run-rate. With only two teams advancing to the Super Four from a group also featuring Sri Lanka, margins could prove decisive but Litton downplayed the idea of chasing big wins at the expense of control.

"Obviously, winning by a big margin is a plus point," he admitted. "But we will play a new game, and any team can have a bad day of cricket. The first target is to win. If we find ourselves in a good situation again, our thinking might change. But if we focus too much on run-rate, it can backfire and we may end up losing a match. Right now, our goal is simple. win every game and qualify for the second round."

Litton also expressed confidence in his side's balance, highlighting depth in both batting and bowling. The skipper praised the top order's consistency while backing the middle order to deliver when needed. He also noted the value of all-round options like Saif Hassan, who can bowl a few overs to provide flexibility.

Bangladesh recently crossed the milestone of 100 sixes in T20Is this year, a sign of a more aggressive batting approach. But Litton was quick to point out that power hitting alone won't win tournaments.

"In T20, hitting big sixes is a plus point because it can get you out of dangerous situations. But just hitting sixes every game isn't enough. You have to play smart cricket, consider boundary size, conditions, and opponents."

Litton also expects strong backing from Bangladeshi supporters in Abu Dhabi, despite sparse crowds in Tuesday's opener.

"Wherever Bangladesh plays, Bangladeshi support always comes, and that boosts us on the field. Hopefully, they come, enjoy the game, and support us tomorrow."

Personally, Litton enters the Asia Cup in fine touch after recent runs at the top of the order but stressed that past form counts for little once the tournament begins.

"I scored runs recently, but that is in the past. New conditions, new opponents, new challenges will arise. I will try to take on those challenges and make a good impact for the team."