Litton, Saif shine as Bangladesh cruise past Netherlands in series opener

Bangladesh made light work of the Netherlands in the opening T20I on Saturday, chasing down 137 in just 13.3 overs to secure a big eight-wicket win and go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Taskin Ahmed gave the hosts the early edge with the ball, striking four times in a lively spell. The Dutch top order never really settled after losing Max O’Dowd for 23 and skipper Scott Edwards soon after.

Teja Nidamanuru’s 26 was the highest score in an innings that stopped at 136 for 8.

Saif Hassan chipped in with two wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman bagged one.

Bangladesh’s reply began with fireworks. Parvez Hossain Emon cracked two boundaries and a six in the opening over, but Aryan Dutt cut short his stay with a quicker ball.

From there, Litton Das took control. The captain mixed audacity with timing, racing to 54 not out from just 29 deliveries. He swept, drove and lofted at will, looking in total command.

At the other end, Tanzid Hasan offered steady support before falling for 29. His dismissal only brought more trouble for the Dutch: Saif Hassan, back in the side after a long gap, batted with freedom. He struck three sixes in his unbeaten 36 off 19 balls, finishing the game with two huge blows over the rope.

The visitors struggled with the conditions.

For Bangladesh, though, it was as clinical as they could have asked for — disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and a batting performance that left little doubt.