Italy and the Netherlands have officially booked their spots in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka. This marks a landmark achievement for Italy, as it is their first-ever qualification for an ICC World Cup event.
The two teams faced off in a decisive clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Europe Qualifier in The Hague, Switzerland. The Netherlands emerged victorious with a commanding nine-wicket win over Italy. In another thrilling fixture, Jersey stunned Scotland with a dramatic one-wicket win off the final ball, knocking the Scots out of World Cup contention for the first time in four editions.
Both Italy and Jersey ended with five points in the standings, but Italy advanced thanks to a superior net run rate, joining the Netherlands in the main event.
Fifteen teams have already secured qualification for the T20 World Cup, with three more places to be decided from the East Asia-Pacific region and two from Africa, completing the 20-team lineup. In their clash, Italy elected to bat after winning the toss and posted 134 for 7. Middle-order batters Ben Manenti (30) and Grant Stewart (25) were the top scorers. Netherlands’ Roelof van der Merwe, the 40 year-old veteran left-arm spinner stood out with a match-winning performance, taking three wickets for just 15 runs and earning Player of the Match honors.
Chasing 135, the Dutch made light work of the target. Openers Max O’Dowd (47 not out) and Michael Levitt (34) powered the team to 71 inside the first seven overs. Levitt’s dismissal in the eighth over was the only hiccup before captain Scott Edwards joined O’Dowd with an unbeaten 37, guiding the Netherlands to a comfortable victory and a place at the World Cup. In the day’s other match, Jersey pulled off a thrilling win over Scotland for the first time in their history. Scotland, after being reduced to 64 for 6 in the 11th over, recovered to post 133 for 7 thanks to Matthew Cross (43 not out) and Mark Watt (28). Jersey’s bowlers, led by Harrison Carlyon (3 for 26) and Benjamin Ward (2 for 24), were effective in restricting the total.
Jersey’s chase began solidly, despite the early loss of Carlyon. Nick Greenwood starred with a quickfire 49 from 36 deliveries, helping the side reach 81 by the 12th over. However, his dismissal triggered a collapse, with Jersey losing eight wickets for just 48 runs.
Needing five runs from the final four balls, captain Charles Perchard and Jake Dunford kept their composure to seal a last-ball win. However, their joy was short-lived as news came through that Italy had secured qualification, ending Jersey’s World Cup hopes.