Italy have secured their spot in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. Despite losing their final game to the Netherlands by nine wickets in The Hague, they’ve qualified thanks to their superior net run rate. This marks a historic milestone for Italian cricket, as it will be their first-ever appearance at a cricket World Cup.
The match was part of the Europe Region Final, where Italy posted 134 for 7 in their 20 overs. Captain Joe Burns contributed 22 runs, while Ben Manenti top-scored with 30. A late flourish from Grant Stewart helped Italy crawl past the 130-mark. However, the Netherlands chased down the target comfortably in just 16.2 overs, losing only one wicket. Opener Max O’Dowd (47*) and captain Scott Edwards (37*) guided their team to victory. Veteran spinner Roelof van der Merwe was named Player of the Match for his brilliant spell of 3 for 15.
Net Run Rate Seals Qualification for Italy
Despite the defeat to the Dutch, Italy progressed due to a better net run rate than Jersey, who had earlier edged Scotland in a thrilling one-wicket win. Both teams finished on five points, but Italy’s superior overall performance ensured their qualification for the ICC T20 World Cup. Scotland were also eliminated, having lost their earlier encounter to Italy — a result that gave Joe Burns’ side a real shot at qualification.
This achievement also marks a personal milestone for Burns, the former Australian international, who began and ended his Test career against India. He made his debut in the 2014 Boxing Day Test and played his final Test at the MCG in 2020.
With qualification secured, Italy will now prepare to face the giants of world cricket in 2026.
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