The 2025 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier (Division 1) takes centre stage in Rotterdam, Netherlands, from 20 to 27 August 2025.
Teams and format
Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Germany
Four teams will battle in a double round-robin format, with the top two securing a coveted place in the Global Qualifier for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.
How They Got Here
Ireland and Netherlands entered directly into Division 1 thanks to their superior ICC T20I rankings.
Italy and Germany booked their spots by finishing first and second respectively in Division 2, held in Italy this May.
The Global Qualifier Picture
The Global Qualifier will feature 10 teams.
Eight teams From regional qualifiers: USA (Americas), Nepal & Thailand (Asia), plus one from East Asia-Pacific and two from Africa still to be decided and two sides to come through the upcoming European Qualifiers.
Bangladesh and Scotland, by the virtue of participating in the T20 World Cup in 2024.
Team Previews
Netherlands
Hosts and strong contenders, the Dutch boast the in-form Babette de Leede behind the stumps and with the bat. She will also be leading the side. The likes of Iris Zwilling, Heather Siegers and Caroline de Lange have all been in good bowling form as well.
After sweeping the USA at home that underlined their balance, the team travelled over to England to play 3 fixtures against Essex.
“The squad has gained valuable match sharpness this week with a 2-1 series win against English Tier 1 County Essex CCC. Confidence and anticipation is growing ahead of our first tournament match on 20th August,” Neil MacRae, Netherlands Head Coach, was quoted saying in a press release.
Squad: Babette de Leede (c, wk), Caroline de Lange, Frédérique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Lara Leemhuis, Merel Dekeling, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers
Ireland
Fresh from a T20I series win over Pakistan and dominant outings versus Zimbabwe, Ireland arrive with momentum. Skipper Gaby Lewis and all-rounder and vice-captain Orla Prendergast lead a seasoned and adaptable team.
Ciara O’Brien, National Women’s Selector, said:
“Qualifier campaigns are notoriously tough, with fixtures coming thick and fast. The squad we have chosen, while relatively young in age, have almost 650 caps collectively in the T20I format, so have plenty of experience to draw upon. This experience, as well as a recent hard-fought series win over Pakistan, have the players in a good place and eager to take the first steps towards world cup qualification.”
Squad: Gaby Lewis (captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast (vice-captain), Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell
Italy
Division 2 champions, Italy’s campaign was anchored by Dilaisha Nanayakkara’s all-round brilliance. They bring flair and a fearless approach to their first Division 1 challenge.
Division 2 champions Italy arrive in Rotterdam with confidence and a fast-developing core.
Their unbeaten run in May underlined the progress of a side still relatively new on the international stage but quickly finding its footing.
The addition of Chloe Piparo, with her vast domestic experience in Australia (WNCL and Perth Scorchers), has been a game-changer. She was instrumental in Italy’s perfect campaign, striking a match-winning 74 from 55 balls against Germany and providing the calm presence around which the batting revolves.
Alongside her, Dilaisha Nanayakkara impressed with consistent all-round contributions, while Ilenia Sims offered stability in the middle order. For Italy, Division 1 is a step up, but their fearless approach and blend of experience and emerging talent give them every chance of upsetting more established sides.
Squad: Emilia Bartram (C), D Nanayakkara (VC), Alexia Kontopirakis, Annie Wikman, Chloe Lee Piparo, Emma Charlotte, Ilenia Sims, M Mudiyanselage, Pasindi Kananakege, T Mudiyanselage, Sadalee Liyanage, Bridgeman Moore, Ishara Jayamanage, N Asuramanage, T Kankanamage, Thilini Fernando, Sonia Toffoletto
Germany
The runners-up from Division 2, Germany’s strength lies in their bowling. Uswa Syed and Grace Wetherall have proved match-winners with the ball.
Runners-up in Division 2, Germany sealed their place in Rotterdam. Asmita Kohli will be leading the side. Ronalds, who already holds the record for Germany’s first T20I century, remains central to both batting and bowling plans, with her ability to anchor innings as well as break partnerships with the ball. The experience of Christina Gough will be instrumental from batting point of view. Bowling unit featuring Uswa Syed and Grace Wetherall was particularly effective in Italy, ensuring Germany closed out key games with efficiency. Although they fell short against the hosts in the Division 2 decider, Germany’s consistent performances underline a side that has grown in resilience and tactical awareness. Entering Division 1, they carry the belief that on their day, their disciplined attack can trouble any opposition.
Squad: Asmita Kohli (c), Karthika Vijayaraghavan (vc, wk), Ashwini Balaji, Iris Edwards, Christina Gough, Wilhelmina Hornero-Garcia, Ameya Kanukuntla, Nicole Kingsley, Aishani Kishore, Shravya Kolcharam, Antonia Meyenborg, Janet Ronalds, Rameesha Shahid, Verena Stolle
Schedule
August 20 – Netherlands vs Italy
August 20 – Ireland vs Germany
August 21 – Netherlands vs Ireland
August 21 – Italy vs Germany
August 23 – Ireland vs Italy
August 23 – Netherlands vs Germany
August 24 – Germany vs Ireland
August 24 – Italy vs Netherlands
August 26 – Germany vs Italy
August 26 – Ireland vs Netherlands
August 27 – Germany vs Netherlands
August 27 – Italy vs Ireland
Format & Stakes
Each team plays the others twice, 12 matches in total. The top two finishers will move on to the Global Qualifier, just one step away from the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
Beyond the standings, this tournament is about emerging stars, fresh storylines, and the continued growth of women’s cricket across Europe.
