Netherlands qualify for their maiden Women's T20 World Cup

Netherlands beat United States of America by 21 runs [DLS Method] to clinch three wins in three in the Super Six stage of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers, and secure their maiden qualification to the Women's T20 World Cup.

With two wins in two games, having already beaten Nepal and Thailand in the group stage, the European nation were aware that they were only one positive result away from clinching qualification. With USA batting first, medium pace bowler Hannah Landheer picked up 3 for 30 to restrict them to 129 for 7 in 20 overs. A 57-run opening stand from Heather Siegers and Phebe Molkenboer put Netherlands in control of the chase but the heavens opened up after the 12th over. Netherlands were 90 for 2 at this stage and were 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score. As no further play was possible due to the unrelenting rain, they took the points and will board the flight to England and Wales, later this June.

Alongside Netherlands, Bangladesh too clinched their spot for the marquee event with a 39-run win over Thailand. They had earlier beaten Namibia and Ireland in the group stage. With the Women's T20 World Cup to feature 12 teams for the 2026 edition, ten teams have now qualified with two more teams left to be finalised. The remaining teams in the fight for the final two spots are Scotland, Ireland, USA and Thailand.

Having played their first international game in 1937, Netherlands were among the stronger teams in women's cricket from the 1980s to the early years of the 21st century, featuring in four successive world cups from 1988 to 2000. However, since the advent of T20 cricket, they hadn't qualified for a world cup.