The Netherlands have scripted one of the most heart-warming stories in women’s cricket, sealing their maiden qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 after an unbeaten run at the Global Qualifiers in Nepal.

The historic moment was confirmed with a 21-run victory over the USA via the DLS method at the rain-hit TU Stadium. Chasing 130, the Dutch were cruising at 90 for two in 12 overs when rain halted play. With the par score comfortably surpassed, celebrations began early - and memorably - as players dived joyfully onto the soaked covers, fully aware they had just changed the course of Dutch women’s cricket.

From associate underdogs to World Cup debutants, the Dutch women turn belief into history

Led by captain Babette de Leede, the Netherlands were flawless throughout the tournament. They topped Group B with wins over Zimbabwe, Scotland, Nepal and Thailand, before beating the United States women's cricket team in their first Super Six match to seal qualification with two games to spare.

Watch the video:

The Dutch Women have just done a celebratory dive on top of the rain soaked covers at TU Stadium in Kathmandu. Today's result, a 21-run DLS win over USA, means they're going to the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/orDS7LUJXb

— Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) January 28, 2026

Netherlands women's captain Babette de Leede:

"We're one of the few countries with no contracts at all. We're an Associate country, where cricket is very small, but we made sure that everyone bought into this dream, and our dream has come true"#T20WorldCup #WT20WCQ pic.twitter.com/i1VacVgPet

— hypocaust (@_hypocaust) January 28, 2026

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What makes the achievement even more remarkable is the context. Speaking after qualification, de Leede highlighted the uphill battle faced by her side, noting that the team operates without central contracts in a country where cricket remains a minority sport. Yet belief, unity and commitment to a shared dream carried them through.

The 2026 edition will feature 12 teams and be hosted in England and Wales from June to July. Alongside the Netherlands, Bangladesh women's cricket team also booked their place, while Scotland, Ireland, the USA and Thailand continue to battle for the remaining spots.

For the Netherlands, this qualification is more than just a tournament entry - it’s a powerful statement that dreams in associate cricket can, and do, come true.

The race to gain qualification to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier has begun, with both Ireland and the Netherlands qualifying from the Europe region. The Netherlands qualified in style with a 65-run win over Germany, and they join Ireland as the two European countries that qualified for the next stage of the event. 

Ireland made their mark in the European Qualifier, having won their first five matches in a row, which ensured they finished top. The Dutch kept their focus in a must-win match against Germany, knowing that a win would finish them in the top two, regardless of what happened in Italy's final game against Ireland. The performance showed how the women's game is growing in the Netherlands, and it is encouraging to see it consistently progressing.

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European Teams Eye World Cup Berths After Qualifier Success

With these outcomes, Ireland and the Netherlands will now compete in the Global Qualifier, where a total of 10 teams will compete for 4 spots at the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in England in 2026. Hey, now join Scotland and Bangladesh, who have already secured direct qualification for the qualifier as a result of being there in the 2024 edition of the tournament.

Other areas have also contributed a number of teams to the whole. The USA qualified from the Americas in March 2025, and Bhutan and Thailand qualified from the Asia Qualifier in May.  The final three spots will come in upcoming regional tournaments in Africa and East Asia Pacific, and set the scene for a mix of teams for a competitive tournament. 

The Global Qualifier is going to be an incredible tournament, with some established teams, as well as countries aspiring for a chance on the world stage. For Ireland and the Netherlands, getting to this point signifies their regional prowess and gives them a great opportunity to challenge themselves against stronger international opponents.

As anticipation builds from all parts of Europe, I know that European cricket fans will be paying attention to their teams' preparations and wishing these two teams further historical achievements to qualify for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England.