DHAKA, Aug 30, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh face Netherlands in the opening match of the three-match T20 International series today at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. 

The match was scheduled to start at 6:00 PM and live coverage will be available on T Sports Channel and Nagorik TV.

This tour marks Netherlands' first-ever bilateral series visit to Bangladesh in any format of cricket. 

The series is expected to serve as a platform for Bangladesh to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Bangladesh enter the series as overwhelming favorites, given the wide gap in cricketing experience and infrastructure between the two sides. 

Historically, the Tigers have dominated the head-to-head record, winning four of the five previous encounters. The only exception was during Bangladesh's 2012 tour of the Netherlands, when the two-match series ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Dutch last faced Bangladesh during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Bangladesh won by 25 runs. However, Netherlands stunned the Tigers during the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup in India.

Despite the favorable record, Bangladesh captain Liton Das emphasized the need to remain focused. "International cricket is always challenging. There is no big or small team here," Liton said ahead of the match.

He also hinted at possible experiments in the series, keeping the Asia Cup in mind. "If we get a chance to check a few players, we will do so, but at the same time, we'll play to win," he added.

Acknowledging the pressure of expectations, Liton said, "As I said earlier, in international cricket there is no small team. Bangladesh have lost to different teams before - nothing new. If we lose, we lose. What matters is how well we play."

Netherlands captain Scott Edwards admitted that Bangladesh are formidable at home but expressed confidence in his team. 

"We go into every series trying to win. If we play well enough, we've got a chance," he said. "It's a great warm-up for us ahead of the World Cup, and for Bangladesh before the Asia Cup. It'll be an exciting series."

Edwards also acknowledged the challenge of playing in Bangladesh. "Many countries struggle here. We know it will be tough, and we have to put our best foot forward," he added.

The second and third T20 matches of the series are scheduled for September 1 and 3.

Bangladesh squad: 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 squad: Scott Edwards (Captain), 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.