Team Italy will play in their first global cricket competition, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Italy qualified for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, due to their strong net run-rate (NRR) despite losing their last game to the Netherlands in The Hague.
On the penultimate day of the European Qualifiers, Italy, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Jersey were in contention. Jersey defeated Scotland in a stunning last-ball win earlier in the day. They lost as the Dutch team chased Italy’s 134-run total in 16.2 overs, confirming Italy’s qualifying with a healthier NRR.
Italy simply needed to avoid a huge loss, and pushing the Netherlands’ chase over the 15th over gave them the edge. Even though the Netherlands won convincingly, they and Italy qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
This is our legacy: Italy captain Joe Burns
Italy lost Justin Mosca and Emilio Gay early after batting. Joe Burns pitched in but was fired for 22. Next, wicketkeeper-batter Marcus Campopiano fell for seven-ball two. Benjamin Manenti’s stabilising knock, Grant Stewart’s late cameo of 25 off 16 balls, and Anthony Mosca’s efforts helped the side score 134/7.
In the chase, Dutch openers Max O’Dowd and Michael Levitt hit 66 in powerplay. Crishan Kalugamage’s breakthrough and Harry Manenti’s consistency pushed the Dutch squad over 16 overs. Burns, the former Australian player who leads Italy, expressed his thoughts on social media after the victory.
“Words cannot express my feelings for this team and country. We journeyed to our first World Cup via sacrifice, perseverance, and a desire. Inspired by home, world, and above-ground sources. For ancestors and future generations. I hope our squad inspires people to bond over family, sports, and stories. May our companions always be proud. We would never have dreamed without them. This is our legacy. “Thanks,” Joe Burns posted on Instagram.
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On July 11, 2025, teams qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup.
Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA, West Indies
India
