The European qualifier for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup got underway today in Rotterdam with the home side beating Italy in the opening match. Two teams from the four nation double round robin will join Scotland as the European representatives in the global qualifier in Nepal later this year, with Ireland and Germany the other participants.

The Netherlands, playing this tournament without Sterre Kalis who is busy with Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, were put into bat after Italy captain Emilia Bartram won the toss. The didn't have the greatest start to their innings as Heather Siegers was dismissed for one in the first over, with fellow opener Phebe Molkenboer also dismissed cheaply.

Captain Babette de Leede top scored for them with 52 from 42 balls before she was bowled by Emma Moore, with contributions also coming from Robine Rijke (29 from 18), Myrthe van den Raad (20 from 14) and Iris Zwilling (25 not out from 19). The final total for the home side was 157-7.

Babette de Leede receives the player of the match award (KNCB)

Italy batted out their overs in reply but were never really in the hunt against their more experienced opponents. Number seven Annie Wikman top scored with 37 from 29 balls, but her score came too late and the visitors were kept to 114-8, losing by 43 runs.

A tougher assignment awaits Netherlands tomorrow morning when they take on Ireland, with Italy playing Germany in the afternoon.