Netherlands Women Announce Historic Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup
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A Historic Milestone for Dutch Cricket
The Netherlands Women’s cricket team is on the verge of a historic milestone as they prepare for their maiden appearance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Having secured their qualification through a dominant performance in the Global Qualifiers in Nepal earlier this year, the Dutch side is ready to take on the world’s best in England and Wales next month.
Being one of the four teams to navigate the challenging qualification route alongside Bangladesh, Ireland, and Scotland, the Netherlands has proven that their rise in international cricket is no fluke. As they prepare for the 12-team tournament, the anticipation is palpable, with the campaign set to kick off on June 12.
Captain Babette de Leede’s Vision
At the helm of this historic journey is captain Babette de Leede. Reflecting on the team’s qualification and the upcoming challenge, de Leede expressed immense pride in her squad. “We are super excited for our first-ever appearance in the ICC T20 World Cup. It will be a great opportunity to compete with the best teams in the world, and to show the talent that we have in the Netherlands on the big stage,” she stated.
The proximity of the tournament to the Netherlands adds an extra layer of excitement for the players. De Leede highlighted the importance of fan support, noting, “Because the T20 World Cup is played close to our home, in England, we expect a big orange crowd and a lot of support. It will be an experience of a lifetime, not just for us as a team, but also for our families, friends, and everyone who has Dutch women’s cricket at heart.”
A Balanced Squad Ready for the Challenge
Coach Neil MacRae has meticulously curated a squad that balances youthful exuberance with seasoned international experience. The team has shown remarkable consistency over the past twelve months, particularly in the ICC World Cup Qualifying Tournaments and the ICC Emerging Nations Tournament.
The batting lineup is anchored by experienced campaigners who have been the backbone of Dutch cricket for years. Sterre Kalis, Robine Rijke, and Heather Siegers bring a wealth of knowledge to the middle order, with each player having crossed the milestone of one thousand runs in T20 Internationals. Their ability to stabilize the innings and accelerate when needed will be vital in high-pressure group matches.
The bowling attack is equally formidable, led by the team’s all-time leading wicket-taker, Iris Zwilling. Zwilling is closing in on a significant personal milestone, with the potential to reach 100 WT20I wickets during the tournament. Supporting her are the experienced duo of Caroline de Lange and Hannah Landheer, who provide both control and wicket-taking options for the side.
The Official Squad List
The following players have been named to represent the Netherlands in the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup:
- Babette de Leede (Captain)
- Caroline de Lange
- Frédérique Overdijk
- Hannah Landheer
- Heather Siegers
- Iris Zwilling
- Isabel van der Woning
- Lara Leemhuis
- Myrthe van den Raad
- Phebe Molkenboer
- Robine Rijke
- Rosalie Lawrence
- Sanya Khurana
- Silver Siegers
- Sterre Kalis
The Netherlands faces a steep challenge in Group 1, which features cricketing powerhouses India, Australia, and South Africa. Despite the pedigree of these opponents, the Dutch side is viewing the tournament as a chance to test their mettle against the very best. Matches against fellow qualifiers Bangladesh and Pakistan will be crucial, and the team will be aiming to secure points to make their mark on the international stage.
As the countdown begins, the cricketing world watches on with interest to see how this ambitious Dutch side handles the pressure of the global stage. For many, this is just the beginning of a new chapter for cricket in the Netherlands.
