Netherlands captain Scott Edwards says his side is treating the upcoming three-match T20 series against Bangladesh as more than just another tour — for him, it is the perfect lead-up to the World Cup.

Speaking to reporters in Sylhet ahead of the series, Edwards said confidence in the Dutch camp has been building over the past year.

“The belief in the squad’s been growing for a while now,” he said. “We’ve had to deal with pressure in qualifiers and at World Cups. Recent results show we can beat anyone on our day.”

The series, starting Saturday at the Sylhet International Stadium, is the first bilateral contest between Bangladesh and the Netherlands on home soil. But the ground is not new to the visitors.

Many still remember the 2014 World T20, when the Dutch stunned Ireland in Sylhet by chasing 189 in less than 14 overs — a result that secured their passage into the next round.

“I wasn’t playing then, but some guys were around,” Edwards recalled. “It was a special moment for Dutch cricket. There’s a bit of history here for us.”

Edwards admitted the trip also matters for reasons beyond preparation.

“To get the chance to play here is amazing. It’s a warm-up for us ahead of the World Cup and also for Bangladesh before the Asia Cup. Very excited,” he said.

The Dutch captain added that playing in Bangladesh has its own meaning.

“In different parts of the world, cricket means different things to different people. Here it comes with big crowds and a lot of attention. It’s a beautiful thing to play in a country like this.”//