Italy make history by qualifying for 2026 T20 World Cup

Italy have secured qualification for the 2026 men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, despite losing to Netherlands at The Hague. Next year's tournament will mark Italy's first appearance at a cricket World Cup. Netherlands also qualified for the event after comfortably chasing 135.

Scotland, who have featured in the last four editions of the T20 World Cup, were knocked out after suffering a last-ball defeat against Jersey earlier in the day. Despite pulling off a one-wicket heist, Jersey were also knocked out after Netherlands beat Italy. Both Italy and Jersey were level with five points, but Italy ended up progressing to the 2026 T20 World Cup, by virtue of a superior net run-rate.

Italy only needed to avoid a heavy defeat, which they did by stretching Netherlands' chase to 16.2 overs. They confirmed their place in next year's T20 World Cup in the 15th over before Netherlands completed their job and joined Italy in the event.

Fifteen teams have qualified for the men's T20 World Cup 2026 so far. The East-Asia Pacific qualifier will see three more sides qualify from the competition while two further teams will make it through from the Africa qualifier.