Salahuddin rules out experimentation ahead of second T20I

Sylhet, 31 August 2025:

Bangladesh will stick with their strongest XI in the second T20 international against the Netherlands, with senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin insisting there is no room for experimentation despite holding a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Bangladesh carried their winning momentum from victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan into the series opener, where they cruised to an eight-wicket win in Sylhet. With the Asia Cup looming, some expected the hosts to test their bench strength, but Salahuddin dismissed the idea.

“This is not a place to experiment: this is international cricket,” Salahuddin told reporters Sunday. “If it were a practice match, maybe. But here, I have to make the decisions required to win.”

He praised the extended preparation period before the series, calling it a rare chance to work on fitness, fielding and batting. Salahuddin also lauded Saif Hassan’s comeback after a two-year absence, saying the batter showed “character and strong mentality” in returning to form.

Meanwhile, Netherlands batter Noah Croes remained optimistic about a turnaround. “Definitely we can make a comeback,” he said. “We think our best cricket can stack up against Bangladesh. The conditions are foreign, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

The second T20I will be played Monday at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.