Taskin, Saif and Litton Shine as Bangladesh Dominate Netherlands in Sylhet

Bangladesh opened their T20I series against Netherlands in emphatic fashion, registering a clinical eight-wicket win in Sylhet with 39 balls to spare. It was a performance built on Taskin Ahmed’s incisive bowling, a confident comeback by Saif Hassan, and a captain’s knock from Litton Das.

Taskin Ahmed Leads the Charge

Taskin Ahmed was the standout performer with the ball, taking 4/28 to dismantle the Dutch batting lineup. His first ball of the night dismissed danger man Max O’Dowd, halting Netherlands’ early momentum. Later, his double-strike spell broke the middle order and ensured the visitors could never recover, restricting them to 136/8.

Saif Hassan, playing his first T20I in nearly two years, also chipped in with two crucial wickets. His dismissal of captain Scott Edwards and Teja Nidamanuru in the same over derailed the Dutch counterattack.

Netherlands Struggle Despite Early Resistance

Max O’Dowd’s quick 23 and Nidamanuru’s 26 gave the Netherlands some hope. However, regular wickets meant the innings never took off. From 84/3 in the 12th over, they could only manage 52 more runs in the final eight overs. Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam provided tidy support to Taskin, applying pressure throughout.

Litton Anchors the Chase

Bangladesh’s chase began explosively with Parvez Hossain Emon smashing two fours and a six off Aryan Dutt’s opening deliveries. Although Emon and Tanzid Hasan departed inside 10 overs, the platform was already set.

Litton Das took command, crafting a fluent 54 not out from 29 balls, laced with five fours and two sixes. His timing and placement ensured Bangladesh stayed ahead of the asking rate.

Saif Hassan Completes a Dream Return

If Taskin provided the breakthrough with the ball, Saif Hassan ensured a memorable all-round display. After his two wickets, he returned to finish unbeaten on 36 off 19 balls, sealing the win with two towering sixes in the 14th over. His confident knock boosted Bangladesh’s momentum and underlined his value to the squad.

A Dominant Start

This comfortable win highlights Bangladesh’s balance between pace firepower and batting depth. With Taskin back in rhythm, Litton leading from the front, and Saif proving his worth, the Tigers will look to build further momentum in the series.

Brief Scores

Netherlands 136/8 (20 overs) Teja Nidamanuru 26 (26), Max O’Dowd 23 (15); Taskin Ahmed 4/28, Saif Hassan 2/18

Bangladesh 138/2 (13.3 overs) Litton Das 54* (29), Saif Hassan 36* (19); Tim Pringle 1/16, Aryan Dutt 1/30

Result: Bangladesh won by 8 wickets (with 39 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Taskin Ahmed (4/28)