'We just didn’t put partnerships together', Cook reflects on Netherlands’ defeat

Bangladesh made a strong start to their three-match T20I series against the Netherlands, securing a convincing win in the opening game at the Sylhet International Stadium. The visitors, after opting to bat first, posted a below-par total of 136, which was chased down with ease by the home side. Speaking after the match, Netherlands head coach Ryan Cook conceded that his team had been thoroughly outplayed.

Cook believed the pitch offered plenty of scoring opportunities and that his side had failed to capitalise on ideal batting conditions. "It was a very good wicket to bat on," he said. "A par score would've been at least 190, but we just didn't put partnerships together. Every time we gained some momentum, we lost a couple of wickets in clumps, and that set us back."

The Dutch made a positive start, reaching 25 without loss after three overs. However, the dismissal of Max O'Dowd stalled their progress, and they managed just 34 runs in the powerplay — a return Cook described as insufficient.

"Once you have a powerplay of only 34, it becomes difficult to post a big score without taking significant risks," he noted. "The guys tried to build the innings, but Bangladesh's bowlers were extremely disciplined and made scoring very difficult."

Cook also credited Bangladesh's fielding effort, calling it a key factor in disrupting his team's rhythm. "The chances they took in the field were superb," he said. "That really prevented us from building momentum."

Bangladesh chased down the target with composure, led by a fluent innings from Liton Das. Cook acknowledged the hosts' superior execution with the bat, particularly their ability to punish loose deliveries and rotate the strike.

"They struck the ball really well — clean execution both on the ground and in the air," Cook said. "Liton played an extraordinary innings. As soon as our bowlers missed their lines, they were on it."

Despite the low total, Cook said the Netherlands remained hopeful of defending their score, but admitted that their bowling performance had lacked the precision needed against a side like Bangladesh.

"We've defended similar scores before, so the belief was there," he explained. "But we didn't execute well enough with the ball. Against a quality side like Bangladesh, you need to be much better."

The dew, which set in early, further complicated matters for the Dutch bowlers. Cook admitted the toss — which Bangladesh won — had some impact, but stopped short of using it as an excuse.

"Both captains would've chosen to bowl first given the conditions," he said. "The dew played a role, but 135 was never going to be enough on this wicket. The toss influences the game, but it doesn't decide it. You still have to put runs on the board."

Limited preparation and team changes also played a part in the Dutch struggles. With some players returning to international cricket after a break and others batting out of position due to availability issues, Cook said the team had little time to adapt.

"We only had one training session before the match," he revealed. "Some guys were coming back in, and playing under lights with the ball skidding on isn't an easy adjustment."

Fielding under dewy conditions also proved difficult, with a few errors in the outfield. Cook pointed out that Bangladesh's familiarity with local conditions gave them a clear edge.

"They came into the series much better prepared," he said. "They held a training camp here, got used to the facilities, and that preparation clearly showed on the field."

One of the standout performers for Bangladesh was Taskin Ahmed, who once again troubled the Netherlands' top order with the new ball. Cook was full of praise for the fast bowler.

"Taskin is a fantastic bowler and a great guy," he said. "He always seems to trouble us, no matter where we play. He's getting better every time I see him."

Looking ahead to the second match, Cook emphasised the importance of learning quickly and addressing the key shortcomings from the first game. The Dutch, he said, would need to show more intent and reduce the number of dot balls — 47 in total — which he described as "criminal" on such a good batting surface.

"We need to rotate strike better and kick on once a partnership starts to build," he concluded. "That's how you get to big totals. If a few things go our way and we execute better, we can definitely be more competitive in the next match."

With just a short turnaround before the second T20I, the Netherlands will need a sharp response to stay alive in the series.