But at the cost of one capital ship. Taking the rebel cruiser out with regular weapons is much more cost effective.
Why take the risk? The FO have the opportunity to take out the Resistance once and for all. They could have sent fighters, that proved very effective earlier, or use the kamikaze trick, or whatever. In stead we get a very convenient slow chase. If Lucas had gone for that option at the start of ANH, the film would be very long indeed.