The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Division 1 Qualifier marks the beginning of an exciting journey for participating nations as they battle for a coveted spot on the global stage. Bringing together some of Europe’s most promising women cricketers, the tournament is not just about qualification but also about showcasing talent, resilience, and the growing depth of women’s cricket across the continent.
Match 1: Netherlands Women vs Italy Women
The Qualifier got underway with the opening clash between Netherlands Women and Italy Women, where the Dutch side came out on top with a commanding 43-run victory to kick off their campaign in style.
Italy won the toss and elected to field first, hoping to restrict the Dutch batting line-up early. That decision seemed to work initially as the Netherlands’ top order faltered. Opener Heather Siegers (1) fell cheaply, followed by Phebe Molkenboer (11), leaving the batting side under slight pressure. But skipper Babette de Leede anchored the innings brilliantly, compiling a composed 52 off 42 balls, laced with well-timed strokes and smart running between the wickets.
She found support in Robine Rijke, who provided a quick-fire 29 off 18 deliveries, lifting the scoring rate at a crucial phase. Towards the back end of the innings, the Netherlands found an extra gear. Myrthe van den Raad (20 off 14) and Iris Zwilling (25* off 19) played pivotal cameos, ensuring the team finished strongly with 157/7 in their 20 overs, a competitive total on the surface.
For Italy, the pick of the bowlers was Emma Moore (2/33), while Chathurika Mahamalage (1/17) and Alexia Kontopirakis (1/23) chipped in with tight spells that kept the Dutch batting unit in check during the middle overs.
Chasing 158, Italy Women never quite found the momentum required. Their innings began on a shaky note as Methnara Rathnayake departed for a duck and Dilaisha Nanayakkara managed just 1. The early blows put the Italian side on the back foot, and although Alexia Kontopirakis (12) and captain Emilia Bartram (9) attempted to rebuild, wickets at regular intervals stalled progress.
The middle order offered some resistance with Chloe Piparo (22 off 24) and Ilenia Sims (19 off 25) holding the fort, but it was Annie Wikman (37 off 29) who truly stood out with a spirited knock. Despite her efforts, Italy could only muster 114/8 in 20 overs, falling short by 43 runs.
For the Netherlands, the bowlers delivered a well-rounded performance. Isabel van der Woning (2/19) and Iris Zwilling (2/23) struck key blows, while Caroline de Lange (1/16) kept things tight in the middle overs. Their collective effort ensured the Italian batters never got away, complementing the batting effort earlier in the day.
With this win, the Netherlands Women started their Europe Qualifier campaign on a positive note, showing both batting depth and bowling discipline.
Match 2: Germany Women vs Ireland Women
Ireland Women announced themselves in dominant fashion at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Division 1 Qualifier with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Germany Women in Match 2, sealing the game inside 15 overs.
Batting first, Germany struggled right from the outset against a disciplined Irish attack. Openers Wilhelmina Hornero-Garcia (1) and Karthika Vijayaraghavan (1) departed cheaply, followed by Shravya Kolcharam (7), leaving the top order in disarray. The innings never quite recovered, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals.
While most of the lineup failed to get going- Ameya Kanukuntla (6), Rameesha Shahid (6), Nicole Kingsley (1), Verena Stolle (0), and skipper Asmita Kohli (2), it was Christina Gough who stood out. She played a fighting knock of 28 off 39 balls, holding the innings together amid the collapse. Ultimately, Germany could only muster 62 all out in 18.2 overs, a total that was always going to be difficult to defend.
Ireland’s bowling attack was relentless and shared the spoils effectively. Skipper Laura Delany led from the front with an exceptional spell of 4/9 in just 2.2 overs, ripping through the middle and lower order. Ava Canning (2/10) provided early breakthroughs, while Orla Prendergast (1/4), Arlene Kelly (1/7), and Cara Murray (1/14) ensured constant pressure, leaving Germany with no breathing space.
Chasing a modest target of 63, Ireland made short work of the run chase. Openers Amy Hunter (31* off 32) and captain Gaby Lewis (29* off 22) looked assured at the crease, rotating strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries with ease. Their unbroken partnership guided Ireland to 63/0 in 7.3 overs, securing a commanding 10-wicket win.
The emphatic victory not only underlines Ireland’s credentials as one of the strongest sides in the competition but also highlights the gulf in experience between the two teams. Germany will take lessons from this outing, especially in batting application, while Ireland will be buoyed by the clinical start to their qualifying campaign.
