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Netherlands Drop 2 Stars, Hand Recalls In Surprise Squad For Bangladesh T20I Series

Akshita Patel

Netherlands announce squad for T20I series vs Bangladesh [Source: AFP Photos]Netherlands announce squad for T20I series vs Bangladesh [Source: AFP Photos]

The Netherlands have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, starting August 30 in Sylhet. Interestingly, two experienced all-rounders, Bas de Leede and Roelof van der Merwe, were mysteriously dropped.

After India postponed its tour to Bangladesh due to political tensions, the Tigers invited the Netherlands for a 3-game T20I series, as both teams were desperate to prepare for marquee future events.

Scott Edwards To Lead Netherlands During Bangladesh Tour

The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the absence of two experienced all-rounders, Bas de Leede and Roelof van der Merwe. Both players are unavailable for the series, and their absence will be felt, as they bring balance and experience to the side.

Selectors, however, have given opportunities to several familiar names and a couple of returning players. Vikramjit Singh, Fred Klaassen, Tim Pringle, Shariz Ahmad, and Ben Fletcher have been recalled, giving the team a mix of youth and experience. 

Vikramjit, Klaassen, and Pringle had already represented the Netherlands at the last T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, and now they get another chance to prove themselves on the international stage.

Experienced wicket-keeper batsman Scott Edwards will captain the team, while Max O’Dowd will be one of the key players to watch. Aryan Dutt and Paul van Meekeren are bowlers who strengthen the attack, making the Dutch side balanced in both batting and bowling units.

The Netherlands qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup after finishing on top in the Europe Regional Final earlier this year. Hence, the selectors have largely stuck with the core group of players who brought success in that campaign.

Netherlands' Squad For Bangladesh T20I Series

Scott Edwards (c), Shariz Ahmad, Noah Croes, Daniel Doram, Aryan Dutt, Ben Fletcher, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Ryan Klein, Teja Nidamanuru, Max O’Dowd, Tim Pringle, Vikram Singh, Paul van Meekeren, Saqib Zulfiqar