When the Netherlands plays Bangladesh in Kingstown, St. Vincent, the newest location for the T20 World Cup, they will be looking for their first big fish (Full Members side). There hasn’t been any competitive cricket played on this brand-new surface in a long. Bummed and bruised in New York, both sets of hitters will be hoping for a better outcome.
Bangladesh had a packed itinerary following their South Africa match in New York, with a five-hour delay on their chartered aircraft out. They canceled training on Tuesday after arriving early in the morning at their hotel in Kingstown.In addition to the anxiety of travel, Bangladesh is also experiencing sadness following a narrow loss to South Africa.
They lost the game because they were unable to stop Keshav Maharaj’s full tosses in the last over. Over the past eight years, Bangladesh has struggled to end T20I chases. On Monday, despite being known for their powerful strokes, Jaker Ali and Mahmudullah failed to find a boundary in the final three overs of their pursuit.Their hitting in the top order has also been concerning. Against South Africa, Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto began with Tanzid Hasan and omitted Soumya Sarkar; nonetheless, neither starting pair has yet to record a double-digit stand in this tournament. Litton Das had some success against Sri Lanka, but against South Africa, he threw it away easily. The bowling attack has been Bangladesh’s mainstay, with only Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah exhibiting batting form.
Their top order hitting has also been somewhat worrying. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto started Tanzid Hasan and left out Soumya Sarkar against South Africa; nonetheless, neither opening combination has yet to register a double-digit stand in this tournament. Litton Das was somewhat successful against Sri Lanka, but he was thoroughly outclassed by South Africa. Bangladesh’s strength has been its bowling assault; their only two players who have shown batting form are Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah.
They have batting issues too, much like Bangladesh. The other hitters, especially Michael Levitt, who was their best player before the T20 World Cup, haven’t really taken off, and Max O’Dowd has made their lone half-century thus far.
The outcome of this tight match in Kingstown may depend on whose bowling attack performs better on the particular day.
As the assault leader, Taskin Ahmed has done an excellent job. Despite bowling at a mere 5.50 per over, he has claimed important wickets against Dasun Shanaka, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and Kusal Mendis in Bangladesh’s two matches. Though it’s early, Taskin has the potential to rank among the top bowlers in the competition if he can continue to shape the ball and keep up his general health.
Arguably the ball of the tournament has already been bowled by Logan van Beek. Van Beek burst into a joyous run when his delivery to Reeza Hendricks in New York pitched on middle and off, squared up the hitter, and flicked the off bail.
Taskin Ahmed has led the onslaught with great skill. In Bangladesh’s two matches, he has taken significant wickets against Dasun Shanaka, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and Kusal Mendis while bowling at a meager 5.50 per over. Even though it’s early, Taskin has the ability to be one of the competition’s best bowlers if he can maintain his overall health and shape the ball.
Logan van Beek has already bowled what is perhaps the ball of the competition. When Van Beek squared up the hitter and flicked the off bail after pitching on middle and off to Reeza Hendricks in New York, he broke into a joyful romp.
Bangladesh’s upper and lower middle orders remain unclear. If they want to make another change in their batting lineup, they have Mahedi Hasan and Soumya Sarkar as choices.
Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hosain Shanto (capt), Litton Das (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, and 4 are the possible representatives of Bangladesh. Six Mahmudullah Jaker Ali, 7, Mustafizur Rahman, 8, Rishad Hossain, 9, Tanzim Hasan, 10, Taskin Ahmed, and 11.
Unless there are any last-minute injuries, Netherlands will probably stick with their starting lineup.
Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Bas de Leede, 6 Scott Edwards (capt & wk), 7 Teja Nidamanuru, 8 Logan van Beek, 9 Tim Pringle, 10 Paul van Meekeren, 11 Vivian Kingma are the possible candidates from the Netherlands.
Pitch and circumstances
After almost a decade, international cricket is back in Arnos Vale. Furthermore, the venue has never hosted a CPL game, thus it’s difficult to forecast the possible weather. A little bit of early morning rain is expected in the area.
Statistics and trivia
In September 2014, Bangladesh lost a Test match against the West Indies, which happened to be the final international match held at Arnos Vale. The only player from their T20 World Cup roster to have played in that match is Mahmudullah. They will also play a three-match T20I series against the West Indies later this year, as well as a match against Nepal here on June 17.
Bangladesh has a 4-3 overall record of winning over Netherlands in all formats; however, they lost their most recent encounter, which took place in Kolkata at the 2023 World Cup.
In their most recent match, Netherlands limited South Africa to 12 for 4, which was their best start with the ball against a Full Member side in T20Is history.
During this World Cup, Tanzim Hasan has taken three wickets at an average of 8.33 during the powerplay overs.
Sayings
“We discussed this ground. I believe Shakib bhai told me that this was the field where he made his leadership debut. Riyad bhai had a five-for in the test.”
Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh, on playing in St. Vincent. “Today is our first time being in the earth. It appears to be in excellent condition. It’s a fantastic wicket. I believe the island has been waiting a long time for the match that takes place tomorrow.”Logan van Beek, an all-arounder from the Netherlands, on the T20 World Cup visiting St. Vincent
