Italy Qualify For Maiden T20 World Cup Alongside Netherlands Despite Defeat

Italy and Netherlands have both made it to the T20 World Cup 2026 even as the Dutch thrashed the Italian side by nine wickets in the last match of the European qualifiers on Friday. This will be the first time ever that Italy will be represented in an ICC World Cup at any level. Meanwhile, for Netherlands, it will be their sixth consecutive appearance at the T20 World Cup.

Italy had posted only 134/7 in their 20 overs which Netherlands had problems in overtaking as the Dutch top three fired them to a nine-wicket victory with 22 balls still left in the contest.

Netherlands Vs Italy Toss Update

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

Netherlands Vs Italy Playing XI

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

After choosing to bat first, none of Italy's batter could either score quick or score heavy as the Dutch bowlers were disciplined. The discipline was rewarded with regular wickets with the expereinced Roelof van der Merwe leading the way with three wickets to his name for only 15 runs in four overs. Kyle Klein picked up two wickets as well and Italy could only give a 135-run target to Netherlands.

The opening duo of Michael Levitt and Max O'Dowd fired Netherlands to a 66-run powerplay to set up the win. Italy had to ensure they would not let Netherlands win with 35 balls left and they managed to do that as Netherlands took 16.2 overs to chase down the target.

While the win brought good news for both Netherlands and Italy, Jersey were left heartbroken. Jersey finished level on points with Italy but the Italians managed to sneak in to the second spot thanks to their better Net Run Rate.

The result means now there are only five spots remaining for the T20 World Cup 2026 which will take place in India and Sri Lanka early next year. Two teams will qualify from Africa while three teams from Asia-Pacific will make way to the mega event.