Bangladesh qualify for Women's T20 World Cup 2026, Netherlands too make historic entry

Bangladesh and Netherlands have officially secured their places in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 after dominant performances at the qualifying tournament. Their qualification fills two of the four coveted spots available through the tournament.

Bangladesh, Netherlands book Women's T20 World Cup spots

History was made for the Netherlands, as they successfully qualified for their first-ever T20 World Cup. They secured their berth after a high-tempo batting display led them to a victory over the USA via the DLS method. This breakthrough achievement underscores the rapid growth of the women's game in the Netherlands and sets the stage for their debut appearance.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh confirmed their spot with a clinical 39-run win over Thailand, anchored by a top-score of 59 from Sobhana Mostary. In another high-stakes encounter, Scotland defeated Ireland by the same 39-run margin, fueled by a stellar all-round performance from Kathryn Bryce, who excelled with both bat and ball to keep Scotland's qualification hopes alive.

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Netherlands' maiden T20 World Cup entry

Netherlands confirmed their historic qualification for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, set to take place in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, following a 21-run victory over the USA. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the USA built a steady foundation through Gargi Bhogle and Isani Vaghela. Bhogle contributed a solid 36, while Vaghela remained unbeaten on 32, anchoring the innings as they looked to set a competitive target.

The momentum shifted, however, once Bhogle was dismissed with the score at 71 for three. Vaghela struggled to find a consistent partner at the other end as the Netherlands' bowling attack tightened its grip. Hannah Landheer was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets for 30 runs to restrict the USA to a total of 129 for seven at the end of their 20 overs.

The Dutch chase began with explosive energy, led by Heather Siegers, who blazed her way to 28 runs off just 12 deliveries, including three towering sixes. Her opening partner, Phebe Molkenboer, maintained the high scoring rate with a composed, unbeaten 46. When rain eventually forced an early conclusion to the match, the Netherlands were well ahead of the required rate at 90 for two after 12 overs, securing the win via the DLS method.

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Bangladesh stapled their spot in a seventh consecutive T20 World Cup following a convincing 39-run victory over Thailand, powered by a vital century partnership between Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana. After being put in to bat and reeling at a precarious 12 for two, the pair stabilized the innings with aggressive strokeplay. Opener Juairiya struck a brisk 56 off 45 deliveries, a knock highlighted by three boundaries and four sixes, providing the necessary momentum to the Bangladeshi total.

Sobhana was equally impactful, outscoring her partner with a fluent 59 off 42 balls, which included nine fours. However, her dismissal shortly after Juairiya’s departure sparked a late-innings collapse, as the lower order struggled to maintain the tempo. Thailand’s bowlers capitalized on this wobble, picking up at least one wicket in every over from the 16th onward to prevent Bangladesh from posting an even more daunting target. Chasing 166 for victory, Thailand’s response got off to a disastrous start when Marufa Akter bowled Suwanan Khiaoto on the very first ball of the innings. Despite the early setback, Natthakan Chantham and Nannapat Koncharoenkai staged a resilient recovery, putting on a 67-run stand for the second wicket. Chantham played the aggressor with a well-made 46, but their efforts ultimately fell short as the asking rate climbed too high for the Thai middle order to sustain.