The Netherlands Women’s cricket team head into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with confidence after qualifying for the first time in their history, and they’ll make their tournament debut at Edgbaston Stadium in June.
Their qualifying campaign in Nepal featured five straight wins, including key results over Zimbabwe, Scotland, Nepal and Thailand. An eight-wicket victory against the USA in the Super Six stage sealed their place in the tournament. Their qualification followed a strong year that included a third-place finish at the Emerging Nations Trophy.
Among the team’s standout performers is Sterre Kalis. She produced one of the best innings of the qualifiers with an unbeaten 87 from 60 balls against Scotland, guiding the Netherlands to a narrow win. She added stability again against Nepal with a composed 30 that helped set up another close victory.
Captain Babette de Leede has also been central to the team’s rise. She scored 49 from 47 balls against Nepal in a tense match that ended with a two-run win. Her leadership during these tight finishes shaped the group’s confidence.
Isabel van der Woning has been a breakthrough bowler. Her 4-14 against Thailand earned her the player of the match award and she then delivered three for 16 against Nepal in another match that came down to the final ball. Her accuracy and willingness to attack make her a reliable option in pressure situations.
The Netherlands showed strong form throughout qualification, beating Zimbabwe by defending 122. They outplayed Scotland with a total of 157 for six, supported by disciplined bowling late in the innings. They held off Nepal by two runs in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, and their win over Thailand was secured through controlled bowling led by van der Woning. Their Super Six win over the USA confirmed their place at the World Cup.
Now they prepare to compete at Edgbaston in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup opener against Bangladesh on June 14, the first match of a huge double header with India taking on Pakistan later in the day.
The Netherlands Women enter the tournament with belief and a growing identity built on effort and consistency. Many of the players balance cricket with work or study, which makes their progress even more significant. As they walk out at Edgbaston, they do so with the confidence of a team that has earned its place.
Get ready to catch the spirit this summer. Secure your tickets for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup here: tickets.womens.t20worldcup.com