Italy Vs Netherlands Highlights, T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier: ITA Create History Despite Dutch Victory

Welcome to the live coverage of the Italy vs Netherlands, match 10 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers taking place at the Hague, an unusual location for international cricket.

Netherlands Squad: Michael Levitt, Max ODowd, Scott Edwards(w/c), Zach Lion Cachet, Bas de Leede, Noah Croes, Saqib Zulfiqar, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren, Daniel Doram, Teja Nidamanuru, Hidde Overdijk, Ryan Klein

Italy Squad: Justin Mosca, Emilio Gay, Joe Burns(c), Harry Manenti, Marcus Campopiano(w), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Anthony Mosca, Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca, Zain Ali, Syed Naqvi, Damith Kosala, Gian Meade

It is going to be a historic T20 World Cup in 2026. One of Italy and Jersey or even both of them are set to make their World Cup debut in the tournament that will be held by India and Sri Lanka. Massive moment for cricket fans all around the world and in those two countries. The Associate Cricket scene is at its competitive best right now.

Italy have won the toss and have opted to bat first at the Sportpark Westvliet, The Hague.

Italy (Playing XI): Justin Mosca, Emilio Gay, Joe Burns(c), Harry Manenti, Marcus Campopiano(w), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Anthony Mosca, Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca

Netherlands (Playing XI): Michael Levitt, Max ODowd, Scott Edwards(w/c), Zach Lion Cachet, Bas de Leede, Noah Croes, Roelof van der Merwe, Saqib Zulfiqar, Kyle Klein, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren

Emilio Gay gets a four off the fifth ball to ruin an otherwise good over from Kyle Klein as he concedes eight of it. A decent start for both teams.

A good powerplay for Netherlands. They have removed both the Italy openers but Joe Burns, the Italian captain, is still in the middle and the Dutch would know how dangerous can the former Australia star be. They would need his wicket quickly.

Italy are going slow and Netherlands would be more than happy with it. Joe Burns has been sent back and in total Netherlands have four wickets now. Some really good bowling from veteran Roelof van der Merwe who has picked up two wickets for only nine runs in his three overs.

Italy are struggling. They are really struggling. The quality of the Dutch bowlers is showing especially due to the slowish nature of the pitch. Dutch bowlers love these kinds of surfaces and they have made full use of it by ensuring none of the Italian batters can really score big. Last four overs remain, if Italy can take their score above 130, perhaps they can make a game out of it.

Italy 134/7 in 20 overs

Italy have got a respectable total here. Remember, in the first game of today, Scotland had scored 133 and Jersey could chase it down only on the last ball. So, a decent score for Italy but Netherlands would be confident of chasing it down.

Uh oh! Netherlands have put Italy's World Cup plans in grave danger here. Italy need to avoid a defeat with around six overs left but the way the Dutch openers are going, it seems like a real possibility that they could overtake the target of 135 in less than 14 overs. Italy need some magic moments here. Things slipping out of their hands. History slipping out of their hands.

Italy's World Cup dreams are hanging by a thread. Netherlands are showing why they are such a dangerous team at Associate level. They have absolutely bossed this game but Italy would think they can still eke out a loss that would help them finish higher than Jersey and qualify.

Italy qualify for T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to be their first ever ICC World Cup.

Netherlands win by nine wickets and they qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 but so do Italy who will be in their first ever ICC World tournament. Massive result for the cricket world. One of the most succesful football teams will now be playing at the T20 World Cup. What a remarkable journey for Joe Burns and his men.

Netherlands have absolutely bossed this game. A nine-wicket win with 22 balls still left. Clinical performance from the Dutch.

ITA 134/7 (20)

NED 135/1 (16.2)

Netherlands win by 9 wickets.

A one-sided match but still a big one. Italy and Netherlands are the two teams who have sealed a spot in the T20 World Cup 2026. Now five spots remain. T20 from Africa and three from Asia and Pacific.

Thank you for following. Keep reading more on OutlookIndia.