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THE HAGUE: Italy cricket team created history on Friday after securing a place in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s cricketing journey.
The Italian cricket team booked their place in the World Cup due to a superior run rate, despite being tied with Jersey on the final points table for the Europe Region.
Italy finished with five points, achieving two wins from four matches, with one match ending in a no result.
After securing a narrow win in the seventh match of the Europe region final against Scotland on Wednesday at the Sportpark Westvliet, Voorburg, the Italian cricket team inched closer to the historic achievement.
However, following Scotland’s defeat to Jersey, Italy’s cricket team spot was confirmed despite an 11-run defeat against the Netherlands.
In the 10th match of the qualifiers, the Netherlands chased down the modest total of 135 runs in just 16.2 overs, losing just one wicket in the process, thanks to Max O’Dowd and skipper Scott Edwards’ composed knocks.
With this win, the Netherlands also booked their place in the T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in Sri Lanka and India.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Italy could only manage to score 134-7 in their allocated 20 overs, with Benjamin Manenti top scoring with 30 runs.
For the Netherlands, seasoned cricketer Roelof van der Merwe scalped three wickets while Kyle Klein supported him well with his two wickets.
In another match, Scotland, which had participated in four consecutive T20 World Cups starting with the 2016 edition, suffered defeat at the hands of Jersey.
Scotland was positioned fourth in the standings with three points from three matches. As a result, their final match against Jersey was a must-win for them.
Jersey clinched the victory on the last ball thriller to stun Scotland while chasing a meagre target of 134 runs. For Jersey opener Nick Greenwood starred with the bat, scoring 49 off 36 deliveries, laced with seven fours.
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