The pathway to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales is set to get its Global Qualifier line-ups through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Division One Qualifier in the Netherlands from 20th to 27th August 2025.
Four determined teams, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and hosts, the Netherlands, will contest for the two coveted spots in the Global Qualifier, where the dream of T20 World Cup qualification continues.
For Italy, the tournament carries a special significance. Having dominated the Division Two Qualifier earlier this year, with five wins out of five, they now prepare to test themselves against Europe’s top-ranked sides. Their journey, marked by resilience and quiet ambition, reaches a new high point as they name their 16-member squad, with Emilia Bartram entrusted with the captaincy.
Italy Women’s squad for Europe Division 1 Qualifier:
Emilia Bartram (C), Dilaisha Nanayakkara (VC), Teshani Araliya, Nimesha Ekanayake, Ishara Jayamannage, Pasindi Kanankege, Alexia Kontopirakis, Chathurika Mahamalage, Sadalee Malwatta, Emma Moore, Kumudu Peddrick, Chloe Piparo, Amaya Rajapaksha, Methnara Rathnayake (WK), Ilenia Sims, Annie Wikman
Italy’s squad reflects both continuity and fresh opportunity. Skipper Emilia Bartram will be supported by Dilaisha Nanayakkara as vice-captain, forming a leadership duo that blends tactical awareness with calm authority. The lineup includes a strong mix of seasoned performers such as Chloe Piparo, whose wealth of cricketing experience will be vital, and rising domestic stars like Methnara Rathnayake behind the stumps.
This balance of experienced international-calibre players alongside young talents underlines Italy’s growing cricket structure, one that has been steadily nurtured in recent years. Crucially, the side arrives unbeaten from Division Two, carrying both momentum and belief.
The Europe Division One Qualifier is unforgiving: only the top two teams will advance. With Ireland and the Netherlands entering as established heavyweights, Italy and Germany step in as ambitious challengers eager to prove their progress. For Italy, every match will be a test of adaptability against higher-ranked opponents, but also an opportunity to showcase their evolving identity as a side capable of upsetting expectations.
Italy will open their campaign against the Netherlands on 20th August, a match that promises intensity and intrigue. Facing the hosts first is a stern examination, yet it could also present Italy with the chance to make an early statement of intent.
The squad’s recent success, coupled with the introduction of new match-winners, suggests this is a team ready to rise above its “emerging” tag. Whether through Piparo’s composure, Rathnayake’s wicketkeeping agility, or the all-round energy of Bartram and Nanayakkara, Italy has multiple game-changers who thrive under pressure.
From their unbeaten promotion campaign to taking the field in Division One, Italy’s journey has been one of steady but ambitious growth. Now, under the leadership of Emilia Bartram, the team faces its sternest test yet, an all-or-nothing battle where only consistency, belief, and bold cricket will carry them through.
As the Dutch summer ushers in a week of high-stakes T20 action, Italy’s campaign will be watched with keen interest. They may enter as underdogs, but make no mistake: Italy have already shown they are here to rewrite narratives, and qualification for the Global Qualifier is no longer a distant dream, it’s within reach.
