Cricket Kitchen

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Italy and Netherlands Qualify

July 12, 2025

 

Kathmandu-  Despite the Netherlands winning their final match, Italy’s superior net run rate ensured that both teams secured spots in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year.

On the final day of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, all four teams were still in contention heading into the last two matches. Eventually, it was the Netherlands and Italy who emerged as the two qualifying teams.

For Italy, this marks their first-ever qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Batting first, Italy posted a total of 134/7. To confirm their qualification, they needed to restrict the Netherlands from chasing the target within 15 overs.

Although Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd gave the Dutch a flying start during the Powerplay, putting pressure on Italy, the Italian team managed to stretch the match to the 17th over—securing their spot in next year’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.