ICC Women's T20 World Cup - European Qualifier, Rotterdam
Italy 86-9 (20 overs): Emilia Bartram 29 (35); Iris Zwilling 3-14
Netherlands 90-3 (15.1 overs): Robine Rijke 35 (31), Babette de Leede 24 (36); Pasindi Kanankege 1-13
Netherlands won by 7 wickets
The Netherlands delivered a commanding performance against Italy on Sunday, cruising to 7-wicket and securing a near-guaranteed spot in the Global Qualifier in Nepal this January.
Italy chose to bat first and struggled their way to 86 for 9 from their 20 overs. Emilia Bartram's unbeaten 29 was their only significant contribution. The Dutch bowlers dominated, with Iris Zwilling leading the attack with 3-14 from four overs, supported by Caroline de Lange and Silver Siegers, who each took two wickets.
In response, the Netherlands chased down their target comfortably winning with 4.5 overs to spare. Robine Rijke was the top scorer with an unbeaten 35.
The Netherlands' bowlers immediately put Italy under pressure. Methnara Rathnayake was dismissed early, caught at deep square leg from a short ball. Soon after, Zwilling removed Alexia Kontopirakis and Italy’s best batter, Chloe Piparo, on either side of a run out that saw the ouster of IIenia Sims to leave Italy in tatters at 4 for 26 after 6.2 overs. Although a partnership between Bartram and Annie Wikman briefly forged a comeback of sorts, it was ended by Silver Siegers, aided by Iris Zwilling's excellent outfield catch. The Dutch bowlers maintained their dominance, tying down Italy’s batters throughout the innings.
Phebe Molkenboer and Heather Siegers opened steadily for the Netherlands, despite some miscommunication and tight Italian bowling. Robine Rijke (35 not out) and Babette de Leede (24) then guided the team to a convincing victory.
The win puts Netherlands in commanding position to seal their berth in the Global Qualifiers and. The result also ensures Ireland's participation in the global qualifier. If the Dutch beat both Ireland and Germany in their upcoming matches on Tuesday and Wednesday, they could even finish at the top of the table.
Ireland 223-1 (20 Overs): Amy Hunter 114 (67), Leah Paul 62 (33); Rameesha Shahid 1-30
Germany 44-8 (20 Overs): Ameya Kanukuntla 9 (39), Rameesha Shahid 6 (11); Leah Paul 2-4
Ireland won by 179 Runs
The Irish juggernaut proved too strong for Germany, winning the game by a mammoth 179 runs. With four straight wins, the Irish team finds themselves a step closer to booking their place at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 by securing their spot at the Global Qualifier.
Captain Gaby Lewis elected to bat first. Rameesha Shahid took the only wicket with 79 runs on the board. Player of the Match, Amy Hunter 114 (67) and Leah Paul 62 (33) put up a 144-run partnership. This led to the Irish ending up with 223 runs on the board. Making the highest total for Ireland Women in T20 Internationals.
The Germans were unable to score runs freely despite showing incredible grit by staying at the crease. The first wicket for the Irish came at 4.4 overs with only six runs on the board for Germany. No player was able to cross double digits, with Ameya Kanukuntla 9 (39) being the top scorer for the Germans. Leah Paul and Laura Delany were among the wickets with 2-4 and 2-15 respectively.
The Germans managed to bat out the innings, losing 8 wickets and scoring 44 runs in the process. The 179-run victory sends the Irish to the Global Qualifier next year, being the first of two teams to secure their spot in Nepal from the European Qualifiers.
