On July 11, 2025, a thrilling chapter in cricket history unfolded at the Voorburg Cricket Club in The Hague, Netherlands, as Italy took on the Netherlands in the final match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier 2025. For Indian cricket fans, accustomed to the sport’s massive popularity in their country, this clash was a fascinating glimpse into the rise of cricket in Europe, where Italy, a nation better known for football, secured a historic qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Despite a nine-wicket loss to the Netherlands, Italy’s journey to this point was nothing short of inspiring, marking a significant milestone for associate cricket nations.
A Historic Moment for Italian Cricket
Cricket in Italy might sound surprising to Indian fans, where the sport dominates hearts and headlines. Unlike India, where cricket is a way of life, Italy has traditionally been a football powerhouse. Yet, under the leadership of captain Joe Burns, a former Australian international, Italy’s cricket team has been quietly making waves. The match against the Netherlands was more than just a game—it was a chance for Italy to etch their name in cricket’s global stage by qualifying for their first-ever T20 World Cup.
Going into the final day of the Europe Qualifier, Italy topped the points table with five points from three matches, boasting an impressive net run rate (NRR) of +1.722. A win against the Netherlands would have sealed their spot outright, but even a narrow defeat could keep their hopes alive, depending on the NRR calculations. The Netherlands, with four points, needed a victory to confirm their qualification, while Jersey, with five points, waited anxiously for the result, hoping for a big Italian loss to sneak through.
The Match: Italy’s Grit Meets Dutch Dominance
The stage was set at Sportpark Westvliet, an unusual yet picturesque venue for international cricket. Italy won the toss and chose to bat first, aiming to set a challenging total. However, the Dutch bowlers, led by the experienced Roelof van der Merwe, had other plans. Van der Merwe, a crafty left-arm spinner, bowled a tight spell, taking three wickets for just 15 runs in his four overs. His disciplined bowling, combined with Kyle Klein’s two wickets, restricted Italy to a modest 134/7 in 20 overs.
Italy’s batting lineup, featuring players like Emilio Gay, Justin Mosca, and captain Joe Burns, showed moments of promise but struggled to accelerate against the Dutch attack. Emilio Gay, who had earlier smashed a 21-ball fifty against Scotland, couldn’t replicate his magic, and wickets fell at regular intervals. For Indian fans, this scenario might feel familiar—tight bowling choking the opposition’s scoring rate, much like Jasprit Bumrah or Ravindra Jadeja often do in T20s.
In response, the Netherlands came out firing. Openers Max O’Dowd and Michael Levitt put on a blistering 71-run partnership, including 66 runs in the powerplay, setting the tone for a dominant chase. Levitt fell for 34, but O’Dowd (47 not out) and captain Scott Edwards (37 not out) guided the Dutch to victory in just 16.2 overs, clinching a nine-wicket win with 22 balls to spare. For Italy, the key was to stretch the chase beyond 15 overs to protect their NRR, which they managed, ensuring their qualification despite the loss.
Italy’s Road to Qualification
Italy’s journey to the T20 World Cup was built on teamwork and standout performances. Earlier in the tournament, they stunned Scotland, a seasoned T20 side, by 12 runs in a monumental upset. Emilio Gay’s explosive batting and Harry Manenti’s five-wicket haul against Scotland showcased Italy’s potential. Manenti, in fact, ended the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with eight wickets at an average of 9.62, proving to be a game-changer with the ball.
The team’s success wasn’t just about individual brilliance. Assistant coach Kevin O’Brien, an Ireland cricket legend, highlighted Italy’s strong preparation, including a training camp in Horsham, Sussex, and a focus on learning from past mistakes. With players of diverse backgrounds, including those with Indian origins like Marcus Campopiano, Italy’s squad reflected the growing global appeal of cricket.
Why This Matters for Indian Fans
For Indian cricket lovers, Italy’s qualification is a heartwarming story of the sport’s expansion. The 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will feature 20 teams, including associate nations like Italy, alongside cricketing giants like India, Australia, and England. Imagine the electric atmosphere at stadiums in Mumbai or Colombo when Italy, a debutant, takes on a powerhouse team. It’s a chance for Indian fans to witness history and cheer for the underdog.
Italy’s rise also highlights the growing competitiveness of associate cricket. Just as Uganda’s qualification in 2024 surprised many, Italy’s entry shows how the sport is taking root in unexpected places. For a country like India, where cricket unites millions, this is a reminder of the game’s universal appeal and its ability to inspire new nations.
The Bigger Picture: Netherlands and Beyond
The Netherlands, too, celebrated their sixth consecutive T20 World Cup qualification. Their dominant performance against Italy, backed by van der Merwe’s bowling and O’Dowd’s batting, underlined their status as a strong associate nation. Both teams join 13 others, including India, Sri Lanka, England, and Ireland, in the 2026 tournament, with five more spots to be decided through Asia-Pacific and Africa qualifiers.
The Europe Qualifier also saw drama elsewhere. Jersey’s thrilling last-ball win over Scotland eliminated the Scots, a regular at recent T20 World Cups, but Jersey missed out due to Italy’s superior NRR. This nail-biting finish, where every run and over mattered, is the kind of drama Indian fans love in the IPL or international cricket.