Netherlands to Tour Bangladesh for Three T20Is Before Asia Cup 2025
This will be the Netherlands’ first bilateral T20I tour to Bangladesh, marking another significant step in their growing presence on the global cricket stage. The Dutch side has been making steady progress, having impressed during the T20 World Cup 2024 and several other recent tours.
Strategic Preparation for Bangladesh
For Bangladesh, the series is seen as an ideal tune-up before heading into the high-stakes Asia Cup. The selectors are expected to field a near full-strength squad to test combinations, improve form, and solidify roles. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto will likely lead the squad, with key players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, and Litton Das expected to feature.
The team has been under pressure following inconsistent performances in recent T20I series, and the management sees this series as an opportunity to iron out flaws, especially in the middle order and death bowling departments.
BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury stated, “Hosting the Netherlands is part of our larger plan to keep the team match-ready ahead of a critical tournament like the Asia Cup. These games will give the coaching staff and selectors a close look at our strengths and areas that still need improvement.”
Netherlands Eye Valuable Exposure
The Dutch team, under the leadership of Scott Edwards, is viewing this tour as a vital learning experience against a strong subcontinental opponent. Playing in spin-friendly conditions in Bangladesh will help them build strategies and test their younger players.
The Netherlands has shown steady growth in white-ball cricket, famously beating South Africa in the 2022 and 2023 ICC events. Their fast-improving core of players, such as Max O'Dowd, Bas de Leede, and Logan van Beek, will be keen to test themselves against a full-member Asian side in challenging conditions.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to play in Bangladesh. These matches are not just warm-ups for Bangladesh but also for us to compete and grow. Playing under Asian conditions will be a great test for our boys,” said head coach Ryan Cook.
Fixtures and Venues
1st T20I – August 15, Dhaka
2nd T20I – August 17, Dhaka
3rd T20I – August 20, Chattogram
All matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 6:00 PM local time.
A Mutual Benefit
While Bangladesh fine-tunes its squad for the Asia Cup, the Netherlands continues to build its global reputation as a competitive cricketing nation. The series promises to offer exciting cricket, new talent showcases, and a solid platform for both teams as they eye bigger international stages.