- July 13, 2025
And then there were three. No, not a crime thriller, just the last day of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Europe Qualifier, which has about as much drama as any Netflix, edge-of-your-seat series. The shock elimination of Scotland by Jersey has turned the table on its head, and now Jersey, the Netherlands, and Italy remain in the hunt for the last two World Cup tickets. If you like some T20 mayhem, enjoy, you’re now in your happy place.
Italy’s Fairy Tale… Or Final Hurdle?
Let’s start with Italy—the surprise leaders of the group. After beating Scotland earlier in the tournament, the Azzurri are now in control of their destiny. Beat the Netherlands? They move on. It’s that simple. But lose? Well, that becomes a bit complicated!
If Italy does lose, their net run rate (NRR) will be their lifeline. But because of Jersey’s close win earlier, the margin of error isn’t too frightening. Italy can still potentially advance after a loss, provided they aren’t slammed, which is anything less than 44 runs or getting run down before the 15th over. That’s something that still brings a bit of hope.
What is at stake? It’s nothing less than earning their inaugural berth in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. So, no pressure, boys.
Jersey’s High Five… and Hope
Jersey has done the trick—just about. Jersey’s nail-biting, final-ball win against Scotland not only gave Scotland the boot but also gave Jersey a fighting chance. Now they need Italy to lose.
If Jersey had won by a bigger margin, they could have had one foot on the plane to India and Sri Lanka. Now they need a Dutch win and for the Italians to lie down in a heap. If Italy’s NRR holds, Jersey’s brave campaign could still come to a devastating end.
After all of that, whatever happens, beating Scotland in a T20I for the first time will be a celebration enough for a milestone day in Jersey’s cricketing history. Chuggy Perchard’s side has bought some significant respect.
Dutch Deeds or Despair?
Of the three, the Netherlands is the most experienced—they have done all this before. Still, they shouldn’t treat this as a certainty.
If they beat Italy, they go through. But it gets intriguing. If they and Jersey end with five points, NRR will determine who qualifies second. Hence, while the Netherlands will have one eye on the scoreboard, they will also have one eye on the clock and the run rate tabs.
If they can beat Italy, they will eliminate Scotland and Jersey, as long as it is convincing enough. This is what, again, makes this afternoon’s game so entertaining; every over could change the narrative.
And here we go: three teams, two places in the standings between them, and one insane final day. Whether it is Italy’s day of fate, Jersey’s net-run-rate gamble, or the Netherlands aiming to prove their pedigree, the stage has been set for one last game.
If you love cricket for the unpredictability in it, the drama, the underdogs, then this is the day you have been waiting for. Which countries look set to book their place at the 2026 World Cup? Let’s see this through, every ball counts now…
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