'It is not impossible to lose', Litton on Netherlands series

For around ten minutes in today's press conference, the focus repeatedly returned to one theme — preparation for the Asia Cup. And no wonder. The three-match T20I series against the Netherlands is essentially about getting the best possible build-up to the big tournament. Everyone recognises that reality.

But playing the Netherlands also comes with a risk. Winning will not bring much credit, while defeat could draw sharp criticism — the inevitable challenge of facing a comparatively less-fancied side. Losing to the Dutch right before the Asia Cup could even be a major psychological setback. Bangladesh captain Litton Das, however, struck a note of caution early on.

"There are no small teams in international cricket. We always play to win. In the past and in the future, whatever matches we play, it's always to win. Bangladesh have lost to many teams before, so it wouldn't be anything new. If we lose, we lose," Litton said in Sylhet today.

Acknowledging the opponent with respect, Litton added that his main goal was simply to see Bangladesh play good cricket against the Netherlands. Despite winning four of the previous five encounters, he pointed to the surface as a factor, "Maybe the Netherlands don't play much in these conditions, but if it's a good wicket, they are used to playing on such tracks. So, there will definitely be a challenge."

In the end, this series is a staging ground for Asia Cup preparations. It also marks the return of Nurul Hasan after three years and Saif Hassan after two, along with an opportunity to test players outside the regular XI. Asked if Bangladesh would use the series that way, Litton replied, "Of course. If we have the chance to see some players, we will. But at the same time, in international cricket you always have to go in to win."

The team has been in Sylhet for a ten-day camp, shifted there from Dhaka to adjust to conditions resembling those expected in the Asia Cup. Litton is satisfied with the work done. With Abu Dhabi expected to offer high-scoring matches, he was asked whether Bangladesh should aim for 200–250 runs against the Netherlands. He answered, "What you said about scoring 200–250 runs is a matter of habit. If we can, that's very good. If not, we will still try to build the consistency to reach that level."

Litton also believes Sylhet's preparation will prove useful in Abu Dhabi, "When we play in the Asia Cup, there will be different opponents, which we can't bring here. But the conditions will be somewhat similar, I think. Everyone knows Abu Dhabi usually offers batting-friendly wickets, and Sylhet is also quite batting-friendly."

The first T20I of the series takes place on 30 August.