Netherlands Hand Debut Chance To 17-Year-Old In T20I Series Against Bangladesh: The Netherlands have made some late changes to their squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh after Ryan Klein and Fred Klaassen were ruled out with injuries, and Saqib Zulfiqar pulled out for personal reasons.
This will be a historic tour for the Dutch side. They’ve faced Bangladesh just five times in T20Is before, but this is the first time they’ll be playing a full bilateral series in the country. With the T20 World Cup coming up next year, the series will be a great test for the men in orange in sub-continent conditions. For Bangladesh, the matches are an important chance to lock in their best XI ahead of the Asia Cup.
The three T20Is are scheduled for August 30, September 1, and September 3.
Netherlands Squad:
Scott Edwards (capt & wk), Noah Croes, Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren, Shariz Ahmad, Ben Fletcher, Daniel Doram, Teja Nidamanuru, Sikander Zulfiqar, Cedric de Lange, Kyle Klein, Sebastiaan Braat, Tim Pringle.
A big debut chance for 17-year-old Cedric de Lange
One of the most exciting names in the squad is 17-year-old Cedric de Lange, who’s been shining in domestic cricket and at the Under-19 level. He could be in line for his first international cap in this series after impressing in the Pro Series.
“It’s always exciting to bring a youngster into the squad,” captain Scott Edwards said. “Cedric has been impressive all summer, and he’s really earned this call-up. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can offer us on this tour and, hopefully, across a long career ahead of him.”
Sebastiaan Braat makes his return
Another fresh face, though not a new one, is Sebastiaan Braat. He last played for the Netherlands back in 2021 against Nepal but has forced his way back into the squad with strong domestic form.
“It’s also great to welcome Sebastiaan Braat back into the side,” Edwards said. “It’s been a couple of years since he last played for us, but he’s had a very strong summer at club and domestic level, and we’re looking forward to having his experience back in the group as well.”
Sikander Zulfiqar back after long gap
With Saqib Zulfiqar withdrawing from the series, his brother Sikander has been recalled. The 27-year-old hasn’t featured in a T20I since 2019 but now gets another shot to show his power-hitting skills.
“Sikander has been a valuable member of our national team before, and I’m glad to see him back in orange. He’s got a phenomenal ability to clear the fence late in the game, and I can’t wait to see him back and amongst the group,” said Edwards.
The Netherlands will also have their eyes on the bigger picture, with the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka, already on the horizon.
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