Whilst Netherlands and Ireland seem like dead certs to get the two qualifying spots in the global qualifier later next year from this tournament in the Netherlands, there is still something to play for when it comes to Germany and Italy, as the best team from those two at this tournament will qualify for the new Women's Challenge tournament that will take place next year.

And Italy have taken the first blow in that particular battle today with a four wicket win over Germany at the VOC ground in Rotterdam.

Italy captain Emilia Bartram won the toss and chose to bowl first, and took two wickets for only four runs with her bowling, though she was outdone by Ilenia Sims who took three wickets for just eight runs from four overs as Germany were kept to 113-6. Shravya Kolcharam's 35 was the only score of note for the German side.

Germany batting (ICC Europe)

Methnara Rathnayake was bowled by Tina Gough for a duck from the third ball of the Italian reply, but knocks of 20 by Emilia Bartram, 25 from Ilenia Sims and 37 from Chloe Piparo helped keep Italy in the hunt. Alexia Kontopirakis hit the winning runs to secure a four wicket win with 4.2 overs to spare.

Tomorrow is a rest day in Rotterdam, and Saturday will see Italy face off against Ireland in the morning before Germany take on the hosts in the afternoon match.