After winning the first two matches quite comfortably, Bangladesh oozed with confidence to sweep the three-match series against Netherlands as they take on the visiting side in the third and final T20 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
The match starts at 6 PM. T-sports and Nagorik TV will telecast the match live from the stadium.
Bangladesh took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series following their eight-wicket and nine-wicket victories in the first two matches. Having done so, they won their first ever bilateral series against the Dutch.
In fact, this is only the second bilateral T20 series between the two sides, with the Netherlands hosting the first series at their home den back in 2012.
The series was drawn 1-1. The victory in that series 13 years ago remains the Dutch side's only victory against Bangladesh in this format in seven meetings as of now.
In both matches of the current series, Bangladesh decided to bowl first after winning the toss, and the bowlers did an impeccable job to restrict the Netherlands to a paltry total.
Bangladesh batters, in fact, didn't feel pressure in any of those matches, sealing the deal quite comfortably.
In the first match, fast bowler Taskin Ahmed's 4-28 restricted the Dutch side to only 137-8, a total that Bangladesh overhauled in just 13.3 overs, thanks to Captain Liton Das's 29-ball 54 not out.
Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed took 3-21 in the second match to help Bangladesh wrap up the visitors' innings for just 103. Bangladesh, this time led by opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim's 40-ball 54 not out, gunned down the target in 13.1 overs.
"As a captain, I want to win every series, but it's not possible every time. All credit goes to the team members. It was a brilliant effort from the bowlers," Liton Das said.
"We've been having a camp here for the last two weeks, and they've put in extra effort in practice. There was a little bit of grip in the wicket, but they bowled really well and executed their plan. They knew how to bowl to the wicket, with their variations and everything."
Liton termed the series victory as crucial given their upcoming Asia Cup assignment. As they aim to be the best of Asia, he thinks every victory gives them a psychological boost.
"This is a crucial win for us because we're preparing for the Asia Cup. We'll try to build our team day by day. It's a good sign that whoever comes into the team, they deliver on their job. At the end of the day, if you win, everything will be fine."
Bangladesh broke the winning combination in the second game, bringing up Nasum Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib in place of Rishad Hossain and Shoriful Islam. This was done to give everyone an opportunity to play international matches before the Asia Cup.
Liton hinted at bringing more changes for the third match also. The Netherlands, however, will be eyeing a consolation victory after losing the series without any resistance.
NSA
