July 12, 2025: Italy created history on Friday by securing a spot in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka, despite a nine-wicket loss to the Netherlands in The Hague. This will be Italy’s first appearance in a senior ICC World Cup event.
The final day of the European qualifiers was filled with drama, as all four teams—Italy, Netherlands, Scotland, and Jersey—were in contention for two available spots. Earlier in the day, Jersey shocked Scotland with a last-ball one-wicket win while chasing 134, ending Scotland’s hopes of qualification.
Italy, level on points with Jersey, held a better net run rate. They just needed to avoid a heavy defeat, and managed to do so by extending their innings to 16.2 overs in a 135-run chase.
Batting first, Italy posted 134/7, recovering from an early collapse thanks to Benjamin Manenti (30 off 27) and Grant Stewart (25 off 16). The Netherlands chased the target with ease, powered by a 66-run powerplay and a 64-run unbeaten partnership between Scott Edwards and Max O’Dowd.
With this, both Italy and the Netherlands have officially qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026. Fifteen teams are now confirmed, with five more to be decided via the upcoming EAP and Africa regional qualifiers.