The Netherlands warms up strongly against Bangladesh
Published at 14 January, 2026In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup qualifiers, the Dutch women's team played a strong warm-up against Bangladesh. The margin of defeat (151-125) offers a promising outlook for the main tournament, which kicks off for the Netherlands on January 18.
Captain Babette de Leede opted to field in the renovated stadium in Kirtipur. In the first over, Iris Zwilling (1-21) had opener Akter LBW, and shortly after, the score was even 12/2 when Robine Rijke (1-4) took Ferdous’ wicket.
Mostary (59, run out by Heather Siegers) and captain Nigar Sultana (75 not out) then brought Bangladesh to 151/3. The Netherlands would have been happier with this score than the Bangladeshi side.
Thanks in large part to Phebe Molkenboer (28) and – later - Sterre Kalis (31), the Dutch team got off to a good start, reaching 61/2 in the tenth over. However, young legspinner Rabeya Khan (3-17) got rid of the Dutch middle order. Despite contributions from Robine Rijke (15) and Iris Zwilling (15 not out), the Netherlands fell 27 runs short of victory. This margin of defeat however offers perspective for the second warm-up match on January 16 against Namibia and for the main tournament.
