Latest news with #2026T20WorldCup
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Italy qualify for men's T20 World Cup for the first time in history, to play in 2026 edition hosted by India, Sri Lanka
Italy have qualified for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup for the first time in their history, scripting a landmark moment despite a defeat to the Netherlands in their final qualifier. The side edged out Jersey on net run rate to seal their spot in the tournament, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka next year. Italian players during the European qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup(ICC) Jersey pulled off a stunning upset by beating Scotland in their final game, but it wasn't enough to overturn the NRR deficit. Italy's consistency across the tournament proved decisive, as they held firm in the qualification race and secured a historic berth on cricket's biggest T20 stage. Netherlands, who registered a nine-wicket victory over Italy in their final qualifying match, finished at the top of the standings and secured their way into the 2026 edition. Italy finished second. Italy stunned the cricket world with a sensational upset in the European Qualifiers on July 9, toppling heavyweights Scotland to keep their qualification hopes alive. Up against a historically superior side on the European circuit, Italy rose to the challenge with a fearless performance. Emilio Gay's explosive 21-ball fifty powered them to a competitive 167, setting the tone early. With the ball, it was Harry Manenti who turned the game on its head, claiming all five Scottish wickets; despite their experience, Scotland fell short at 155/5, a result that shook up the group. Italy defeated Guernsey in their opening match, while their game against Jersey was abandoned due to rain. They had remained unbeaten in the qualifiers until their final match against Netherlands. (More to follow…)
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
T20 World Cup 2026: How can Italy reach their maiden ICC event after stunning Scotland in qualifiers?
With only seven spots left in the race to make the 20-team 2026 T20 World Cup next year in India and Sri Lanka, Italy made a stunning jump to close in on qualification after beating Scotland by 12 runs in Voorburg, Netherlands, on Thursday in the Europe Regional Final qualifiers. Led by former Australia batter Joe Burns, Italy's win put them on the brink of a momentous maiden ICC tournament appearance if they can stave off a challenge on Friday. Five teams were in contention to qualify for the next edition of the T20 World Cup when the European qualifiers began last week on July 5. Heading into the last two days of action, Guernsey are the only team to be knocked out with the Netherlands, Italy, Scotland and Jersey finding themselves in a nervy race. At the end of the single round-robin stage on Friday, the top-two placed teams will qualify for the World Cup. A series of interesting results and two washed out matches have meant that Italy are in firm position to pull off a stunning spot at the World Cup. However, they will take on the Netherlands as Jersey go up against Scotland on the final day. While Italy are currently up ahead in the standings ahead of the Netherlands, a defeat could mean that they could lose the coveted top-two spot to the winner of the Scotland-Jersey clash, with Net Run Rate (NRR) coming into the equation. A post shared by ICC (@icc) T20 World Cup 2026 European qualifiers points table With their superior NRR holding them in good stead to make it to the T20 World Cup, Italy will need to avoid a massive defeat to Netherlands at the very least to give a stiff challenge to both Jersey and Scotland to win their contest by a substantial margin. Nothing like a victory over the Dutch in their backyard, Italy will go up to an unassailable lead of seven points in four games. That will then force Netherlands into a stiff corner, with the winner of the Scotland vs Jersey favoured to take the second spot. Despite only winning against the bottom-placed Guernsey, Jersey too could pull of a fairytail story if they pip Scotland while Italy fend off the Dutchmen in their final match. T20 World Cup 2026 European qualifiers remaining fixtures: Teams to qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 Besides co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan and Canada have marked their berths in the T20 World Cup so far.
Express Tribune
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Babar, Rizwan in Hesson's T20 plans
Both Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam are considered for Asia Cup 2025 and 2026 T20 World Cup. Photo: AFP Newly appointed Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson is reportedly in favor of bringing Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan into the T20 setup. Both players, who were recently sidelined, are now being considered for a return as part of preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and 2026 T20 World Cup. While new faces may be tested in the upcoming home T20I series against Bangladesh, Hesson is keen on including the senior duo in long-term plans. Babar and Rizwan were previously dropped for the T20I series against New Zealand, a decision made by the national selection committee to provide younger players with international exposure. The wicketkeeper batter was also removed from T20I captaincy after just one series, with Salman Ali Agha taking over leadership duties in the shortest format. Reliable sources have confirmed that Hesson recently met with selector Aqib Javed at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headquarters to discuss team strategy moving forward. Insiders close to Hesson reveal that the head coach is looking to refine the techniques of both Babar and Rizwan, urging them to adopt a more aggressive approach and improve their strike rates. In a private conversation, Hesson reportedly described them as "match-winners" who, if given the right role, can still deliver game-changing performances. Pakistan's next T20I assignment is a five-match home series against Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Faisalabad and Lahore later this month. However, the political tensions between India and Pakistan have had a ripple effect on domestic cricket, causing a brief suspension of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10. The remaining matches of PSL 10 are now set to resume from May 17, which has led to a scheduling conflict. The series opener against Bangladesh was initially planned for May 25, the same day the PSL 10 final is now scheduled to take place, potentially pushing the bilateral series further ahead on the calendar. BD wait for PAK tour The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received a nod from the government for the upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan, international media reported on Thursday. According to a report, the cricket board has been directed to go ahead with the tour, comprising five T20Is, but still awaits the official letter, which is expected to be dispatched soon. "We have got the green signal (from the government) though we are yet to receive the official letter which we are expecting sooner than latter but as far as I know government have taken the decision in principle that they will let us visit Pakistan for the upcoming tour," a BCB official told an international sports website. "After getting the official letter from the government we will start talking with our players as we learnt that some of them are reluctant to travel citing security reason. One thing we can assure is that we won't push anyone," he added. Notably, the BCB had earlier said that it was awaiting the clearance from the government and would then discuss with the players before travelling to Pakistan. The Tigers are currently on a brief tour of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where they will play two T20Is on May 17 and 19. Bangladesh were then supposed to tour Pakistan for a five-match T20I series, originally scheduled to commence on May 25 in Faisalabad, but the suspension of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 means that the two cricket boards have to make tweaks to the schedule. As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent a revised proposed itinerary to the BCB on May 13. According to which, Faisalabad will host the first three T20Is on May 27, 29 and June 1, while the remaining two matches will be played in Lahore on June 3 and 5.
CNA
15-05-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Dassanayake back as US head coach
Former Sri Lanka and Canada international Pubudu Dassanayake has returned as coach of the U.S. men's team, the country's cricket board said on Wednesday. Dassanayake, who succeeds former Australia batsman Stuart Law in the role, previously coached the side between 2016-2019 when they earned their One Day International (ODI) status. "I'm proud of what we accomplished during my previous time here, and I see tremendous potential in this group to reach even greater heights," the former Nepal and Canada coach said in a USA Cricket statement. "I look forward to working closely with the players and staff to continue building something meaningful for USA Cricket." The U.S. co-hosted the Twenty20 World Cup with West Indies last year, stunning heavyweights Pakistan and making the Super Eight stage of the tournament. "Pubudu is joining the organization at a pivotal time," USA Cricket Chief Executive Johnathan Atkeison said. "Following the momentum of 2024, we are now focused on strong performances at the 2026 T20 World Cup and qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup." "With his experience and vision, we believe Pubudu can help us achieve these goals."
