Bangladesh started their three-match T20I series against the Netherlands with a dominating 8-wicket win in Sylhet on Saturday (30 August). Taskin Ahmed’s fiery bowling and skipper Liton Das’ half-century powered the Tigers to a comfortable victory.

Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bowl first. The decision proved fruitful as Taskin led the attack with a brilliant four-wicket haul. The visitors were restricted to 136/8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Tim Pringle (16) and Aryan Dutt (13*) added a late 27-run stand to give the Dutch side some respectability after being reduced to 109/7 in the 18th over. Apart from Taskin (4/28), Saif Hassan bagged two wickets while Mustafizur Rahman claimed one.

Chasing 137 for victory, Bangladesh lost opener Parvez Hossain Emon early for 15 off 9 balls. His dismissal left the hosts one down inside three overs.

However, Liton Das and Tanzid Hasan Tamim steadied the innings with a fluent partnership. Tanzid scored 29 off 24 balls before departing with the scoreboard on 92/2.

From there, the Dutch bowlers had no answers as Liton reached his 13th T20I fifty and guided the Tigers home. Bangladesh sealed the win in just 13.3 overs, finishing on 138/2 with 39 balls to spare.

Liton Das remained unbeaten on 54, while Saif Hassan supported him with 36* runs.

With this victory, Bangladesh take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.