Batting first, the Netherlands posted 136 runs on what was a batting-friendly wicket. Dew made bowling more difficult, yet Bangladesh’s attack maintained control. Speaking after the match, captain Litton praised his bowlers:
“Dew was a big factor, but our bowlers were outstanding. Taskin, Fizz [Mustafiz] and Saif [Hassan] all bowled really well. Rishad struggled a bit with his grip due to the dew, but the rest kept things under control.”
Chasing 137, Bangladesh got off to a brisk start through Tanzid Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon. After Emon’s dismissal, Litton and Tanzid built a solid 66-run partnership before Tanzid fell for 29 with the score at 92.
Litton then shifted gears, racing to his half-century off just 26 balls, his 13th T20I fifty, a milestone that saw him equal Shakib Al Hasan’s record for the most half-centuries by a Bangladeshi in the format.
Towards the end, Saif played a fiery cameo, smashing 36 off 19 balls with three sixes, as Bangladesh cruised home with 39 balls to spare.
Taskin, who was named Player of the Match for his four wickets, reflected on his return to form.
“It feels great to start the series with a performance like this. Coming back from injury, it takes a little time to regain rhythm, but I’m slowly getting there. I’m working closely with the physio, following the process. If you put in the hard work, the results will come.”
With this win, Bangladesh lead the series 1–0 and will secure the trophy if they triumph in the second match.
