BAN vs NED 2025: Netherlands name squad for maiden Bangladesh tour

17-year-old Cedric de Lange has been handed a maiden call-up, as the Netherlands have announced the squad for the upcoming three-match away T20I series against Bangladesh. The 20-over contests are scheduled to begin on August 30. All the matches will be played in Sylhet, in what is set to be the first-ever bilateral tour for them in the Asian country.

De Lange, the teenage sensation, has been consistently showcasing his talent at the Under-19 level and club as well in the recent Pro Series, a homegrown domestic T20 competition back home. The national side has also recalled right-arm quick Sebastiaan Braat and all-rounder Sikander Zulfiqar for the upcoming T20I series in Bangladesh starting August 30. The changes had to be made after Ryan Klein and Fred Klaassen were ruled out with injuries, while Saqib Zulfiqar withdrew due to personal reasons.

Captain Scott Edwards was excited on what the left-handed batter would offer the team and wished de Lange for a long career ahead. Sebastiaan Braat and Sikander Zulfiqar have been recalled to the Netherlands side too. The two played their last T20Is in 2021 and 2019, respectively. Edwards seemed quite pleased for the two to return to the international level and was eager for them to contribute in the matches to come.

"It's always exciting to bring a youngster into the squad. 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," stated Edwards, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"It's also great to welcome Sebastiaan Braat back into the side. It's been a couple of years  (four) 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 has been a valuable member of our national team before and I'm glad to see him back in Orange. He's got phenomenal ability to clear the fence late in the game and I can't wait to see him back and amongst the group," added Edwards.

This will be the first time Netherlands will be touring Bangladesh to play a bilateral series. They have only played a total of five T20Is against the Bangla Tigers up until now. They are set to train in Sylhet for three days before the series gets underway on August 30. 

Netherlands squad for Bangladesh tour

Scott Edwards (c & wk), Noah Croes, Max O'Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Teja Nidamanuru, Sikander Zulfiqar, Cedric de Lange, Kyle Klein, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren, Shariz Ahmad, Ben Fletcher, Daniel Doram, Sebastiaan Braat, Tim Pringle