Italy and Netherlands Secure Spots in 2026 Men's T20 World Cup
Historic Qualification for Italy and Netherlands
New Delhi, July 12: Jay Shah, the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), praised both Italy and the Netherlands for successfully qualifying for the upcoming 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka.
In a post shared on X late Friday, Shah expressed his excitement, stating, "An incredible achievement for @KNCBcricket and @FedCricket, qualifying for the @ICC Men’s @T20WorldCup 2026 through the Europe Qualifier."
He added, "This will mark Italy's inaugural appearance at the tournament, which India will defend early next year. Congratulations to both teams!"
An amazing result for @KNCBcricket and @FedCricket, qualifying for the @ICC Men’s @T20WorldCup 2026 through the Europe Qualifier. For Italy, it will be their first-ever appearance at the tournament that India will defend early next year. Well done to both teams! pic.twitter.com/nrIXUNE8ZC
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 11, 2025
While the Netherlands are seasoned participants in the T20 arena, Italy's qualification is a landmark achievement in their cricketing history, as they gear up to display their skills on a global platform.
India, the reigning champions, will co-host the tournament with Sri Lanka in 2026, and the expanding roster of qualified teams promises an exciting showcase of T20 cricket.
The final day of the Europe Qualifiers for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was filled with suspense. All four teams—Italy, Netherlands, Scotland, and Jersey—had chances to secure their spots in the tournament.
Scotland, who had participated in the last four editions, faced disappointment after a last-ball loss to Jersey earlier on Friday. In a crucial match, Jersey clinched victory on the final delivery, successfully chasing a target of 134 runs.
Despite their thrilling one-wicket win, Jersey was eliminated from contention due to Italy's superior net run rate, as both teams finished with five points. Italy managed to avoid a significant defeat, successfully defending their score from 134/7 to 16.2 overs.
Italy's innings began with a shaky start, losing their opening batsmen, Justin Mosca and Emilio Gay, within the first three overs. Captain Joe Burns scored 22 runs before falling in the seventh over, leaving Italy at 41/3. Wicketkeeper Marcus Campopiano's early dismissal further complicated matters, leaving Italy at 46/4 in the ninth over.
However, Benjamin Manenti's 30 runs off 27 balls and Grant Stewart's quick 25 off 16 balls helped Italy reach a total of 134/7.
The Netherlands responded aggressively, scoring 66 runs without loss during the powerplay. The opening partnership of Michael Levitt and Max O'Dowd contributed 81 runs before Levitt was dismissed for 34 runs off 25 balls. Captain Scott Edwards then led the team home with an unbeaten 64-run partnership for the second wicket.
Currently, 15 teams have secured their places in the T20 World Cup. The Asia EAP qualifier will add three more teams, while two additional teams will qualify from the Africa qualifier.
Teams confirmed for the T20 World Cup 2026 include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA, and West Indies.