Moises Henriques to Lead Portugal in T20 World Cup Qualifiers
Henriques Takes the Helm for Portugal
Moises Henriques, the former Australian allrounder, has been appointed as the captain of Portugal's cricket team as they aim for a spot in the 2028 T20 World Cup. This announcement comes shortly after he declared his retirement from Australian domestic cricket.
As reported by Cricinfo, the 39-year-old will lead Portugal in the men's T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C, taking place in Finland. The team is set to navigate the qualification process for the upcoming global tournament scheduled in Australia and New Zealand.
A Look at Henriques' Cricket Career
Born in Madeira, Portugal, Henriques has represented Australia in four Test matches, 16 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 24 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), totaling 44 international appearances. His last game for Australia was in 2021. After moving to Australia with his family during his childhood, he built a successful domestic career with New South Wales and the Sydney Sixers.
Although he announced his retirement from Australian domestic cricket last month, Henriques plans to continue his playing career abroad. He is currently contracted with Glasgow Cosmic in the inaugural European T20 Premier League and is now focused on leading Portugal's qualification efforts.
Understanding the Qualification Process
Portugal, currently ranked 37th in the ICC men's T20I rankings, will compete against Israel, Germany, Greece, and Czechia in Group B of the Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C from August 14 to 20. The group winner will face the winner of Group A in the final on August 21. The overall champion will then progress to the European regional final, where they will encounter Scotland, Jersey, and Denmark. The top two teams from this final will qualify for the global qualifier, vying for spots in the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Portugal's Experienced Squad
Henriques succeeds Carlos Nunes as captain, who remains part of the 14-member squad. The team features several players with experience in higher-level domestic cricket, including former Sussex, Auckland, and Wellington wicketkeeper-batter Craig Cachopa. Cameron Shekleton, who has played for South Africa A, is also included. Additionally, Sebastian de Oliveira, who participated in a List A match for Gauteng alongside current South African player Ryan Rickelton, and Bangladesh-born spinner Siraj Ullah Khadem, who was on the longlist for this year's Hundred auction, are part of the squad.
Portugal Squad
Moises Henriques (capt), Craig Cachopa, Edward Fleming, Christopher de Freitas, Rahulkumar Hashu, Siraj Ullah Khadem, Hardeep Khuttan, Jeremy Martins, Dhavalkumar Norotam (wk), Jordan Netto, Carlos Nunes, Sebastian de Oliveira, Upen Shantu, Cameron Shekleton.
Upcoming Fixtures for Portugal
Portugal's matches are scheduled as follows:
- vs Israel (August 14)
- vs Germany (August 15)
- vs Greece (August 17)
- vs Czechia (August 20)
- Final (August 21)