The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Division 1 Qualifier continued with high-intensity clashes, as both Ireland Women and Netherlands Women sealed their spots in the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier with convincing victories.
In Match 11, the Netherlands produced a commanding all-round display to defeat Germany Women by 65 runs, led by Phebe Molkenboer unbeaten 91*. Meanwhile, in Match 12, Ireland Women registered a 33-run win over Italy Women, all due to Laura Delany’s explosive 91 off 57 balls and a disciplined bowling effort.
Match 11: Netherlands Women vs Germany Women
Match 11 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Division 1 Qualifier saw a dominant performance from Netherlands Women, who outclassed Germany Women by 65 runs to register a comprehensive win.
Batting first, the Netherlands posted an imposing total of 175/4 in their 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant display from opener Phebe Molkenboer. She played the innings of the match, remaining unbeaten on a magnificent 91* off 66 balls, mixing power with placement and anchoring the entire innings.
While Merel Dekeling (8) and skipper Babette de Leede (8) fell cheaply, Molkenboer found support in Robine Rijke (13) and later Frederique Overdijk, who added valuable acceleration with a lively 36 off 24 balls. Their contributions ensured that the Netherlands capitalized on their strong start and finished with a commanding total.
Germany’s bowlers toiled hard on a tough surface for bowlers. Rameesha Shahid (2/27) was the pick of the attack, breaking partnerships and providing brief hope for her side, while Asmita Kohli (1/42) and Ashwini Balaji (1/43) chipped in with a wicket apiece, but they couldn’t prevent Molkenboer from dominating the innings.
In response, Germany never looked in control of the chase. The batting lacked fluency, and runs were hard to come by against the Dutch bowlers. The only standout was Wilhelmina Hornero-Garcia, who showed fight with a gritty, unbeaten 51* off 57 balls, holding one end together. She received some resistance from Rameesha Shahid (33) and Ameya Kanukuntla (11* off 18), but the scoring rate remained well below the required pace. Germany eventually finished on 110/1, falling well short of the target.
For the Netherlands, Hannah Landheer was the only wicket-taker, finishing with figures of 1/19, but the bowlers collectively kept the pressure on with tight lines and effective field placements, ensuring Germany could never accelerate.
Match 12: Ireland Women vs Italy Women
Ireland Women registered a strong 33-run victory over Italy Women in Match 12 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Division 1 Qualifier, riding on skipper Laura Delany’s blistering knock.
Batting first, Ireland posted a competitive 175/6 in their 20 overs. Amy Hunter provided a steady start with a well-compiled 62 off 51 balls, keeping the scoreboard moving despite early setbacks. Ava Canning (4) and Rebecca Stokell (0) fell cheaply, and the middle order also stumbled with Leah Paul (2) and Christina Coulter Reilly (2) unable to convert their starts.
But it was Laura Delany who stole the show, playing an innings of pure class, an aggressive 91 off just 57 deliveries, peppered with boundaries and clever placement. Her knock not only lifted Ireland from pressure situations but also gave them a strong total to defend.
For Italy, Ilenia Sims (2/22) and Emilia Bartram (2/23) were the standout bowlers, keeping things in check during the middle overs, while Chathurika Mahamalage (1/32) chipped in with a wicket.
Chasing 176, Italy struggled to build partnerships. Skipper Chloe Piparo showed intent with 36 off 30, but her dismissal pegged the chase back. The only real resistance came from Annie Wikman, who counterattacked brilliantly with a fiery 53 off 29, keeping Italy in the hunt for a while.
However, with little support around her, Italy lost momentum. Ilenia Sims (12), Emilia Bartram (4), Methnara Rathnayake (7), and Teshani Araliya (7) all fell in quick succession, while Nanayakkara (1) and Mahamalage (0) couldn’t contribute. Italy were bowled out for 142 in 18.3 overs, falling short by 33 runs.
Ireland’s bowlers ensured the pressure never eased. Freya Sargent (3/38) led the attack with key breakthroughs, while Alana Dalzell (2/18) and Lara McBride (2/23) applied the squeeze in the middle overs, stifling Italy’s scoring rate.
