Bangladesh are upbeat to make a winning start when they take on the Netherlands in the first of a three-match T20 International series tomorrow (Saturday) at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The match begins at 6 PM and will be aired live on T Sports.

This is the Netherlands’ first-ever bilateral series in Bangladesh, which also serves as preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE.

The Tigers hold a strong record against the Dutch, winning four of their five T20I meetings since 2012, including a 25-run victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, Bangladesh also suffered a shock defeat to the Netherlands in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Captain Liton Das warned against complacency, saying: “An international match is always challenging. There is no big or small team here.” He hinted at testing a few players while keeping focus on victory.

Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards said his side is determined to challenge Bangladesh on their home turf, calling the series an exciting build-up for both teams ahead of major tournaments.

The remaining matches will be played on September 1 and 3.

Bangladesh: Liton Das (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Saifuddin.

Netherlands: Scott Edwards (c), Noah Croes, Max O'Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Teja Nidamanuru, Sikander Zulfiqar, Cedric de Lange, Kyle Klein, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren, Shariz Ahmad, Ben Fletcher, Daniel Doram, Sebastiaan Braat, Tim Pringle.

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