Netherlands Women's Team Unveils Squad for Historic ICC T20 World Cup 2026

The Netherlands women's cricket team has officially announced its squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, featuring key players like Rosalie Lawrence and Lara Leemhuis. With a blend of youth and experience, the team is set to make its debut in this prestigious tournament. Captain Babette de Leede expressed her excitement about the opportunity to compete against top teams globally. The squad will also participate in a preparatory tri-series before the World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in England and Wales. This marks a significant milestone in the history of women's cricket in the Netherlands.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 6, 2026, 21:21 IST

Squad Announcement for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup

The Netherlands women's cricket team has revealed a 15-member squad for their inaugural participation in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. The only modifications from the recent Qualifier squad are the inclusions of Rosalie Lawrence and Lara Leemhuis.

Key Additions to the Team

Wicketkeeper-batter Lawrence and bowling allrounder Leemhuis join the squad, which is captained by Babette de Leede. This selection marks a significant milestone in the history of women's cricket in the Netherlands. The same team will also compete in a preparatory tri-series alongside the women's teams from Bangladesh and Scotland before the World Cup.

Coach's Confidence in the Team's Balance

The Netherlands secured their World Cup spot by advancing through the Qualifier earlier this year, showcasing their growth on the international stage. Head coach Neil MacRae expressed confidence in the squad's balance, stating, "The Netherlands have selected a World Cup squad that combines youth and experience, featuring players who have consistently excelled in ICC qualifying tournaments and emerging competitions over the past year."

Captain's Enthusiasm for the Upcoming Challenge

Captain Babette de Leede shared her excitement about leading the team into this new chapter. She remarked, "We are super excited for our first-ever appearance in the ICC T20 World Cup. This is a fantastic opportunity to compete against the world's best teams and showcase the talent we possess in the Netherlands," adding that they aim to inspire future generations of cricketers.

Group Stage Challenges and Preparation

The Netherlands finds itself in a tough Group 1, where they will compete against the India women's team, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Their campaign kicks off against Bangladesh at Edgbaston on June 14.

Before the World Cup, the Dutch team will sharpen their skills in a tri-series in Scotland, featuring six round-robin matches scheduled from May 28 to June 4. The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is set to take place from June 12 to July 5, hosted by England and Wales, with 12 teams competing in 33 matches across seven venues.

Complete Netherlands Women's Squad

The squad includes: Babette de Leede (captain), Caroline de Lange, Frederique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Lara Leemhuis, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Rosalie Lawrence (wk), Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, and Sterre Kalis.