Rain washes out final T20 as Bangladesh clinch series over Netherlands

The final match of the T20 series between Bangladesh and Netherlands has been abandoned due to persistent rain in Sylhet, allowing the Tigers to clinch the series 2-0.

The hosts posted 164 for 4 in 18.2 overs thanks to a stellar 73 off 46 balls by skipper Litton Das, who hit six fours and four sixes, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Five changes were made to the Bangladesh playing 11, shuffling the batting order to give opportunities to reserves before the Asia Cup that begins next Tuesday.

The match began after a delay due to a wet outfield, and Bangladesh, put in to bat after the Netherlands won the toss, started aggressively.

The hosts’ new opening pair of Saif Hassan (12) and Litton started strong, posting 39 in 3.1 overs before Kyle Klein (3-53) dismissed Saif.

A floodlight failure followed by rain halted play at 51-1 after 3.4 overs, and though play briefly resumed, another shower at 60-1 after 4.1 overs left the outfield damp and the surface slower.

Shamim Hossain added 21 off 19 in a 44-run stand with Litton, before Klein struck twice in the 15th over to remove both batsmen.

Jaker Ali (20*) and Nurul Hasan (22*) provided a late boost with 42 runs in the final partnership, including two sixes each.

Rain returned heavily in the 19th over and continued to pour before the umpires called off the match.

The Tigers now turn to the Asia Cup, facing Hong Kong on Sept 11 in their opener.