The Netherlands, along with Italy, secured qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup through the Europe Qualifiers, making it their seventh appearance in the tournament’s history. Their debut came in 2009, a campaign remembered for their famous opening match win over hosts England. The newly announced squad differs from the squad that last featured in the T20I series against Bangladesh in August-September 2025, the Dutch team’s most recent international appearance in this format.
Edwards, who captained the Netherlands in the 2024 T20 World Cup, will continue as captain and first-choice wicketkeeper. The team sees the return of several names, including Roelof van der Merwe, Bas de LeedeMichael Levitt and Zach Lion-Cachet, who all last played in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Region Final before missing the tour of Bangladesh.
The Netherlands starts its campaign against Pakistan on February 7 in Colombo
Experienced all-rounder Colin Ackermann has been recalled after last representing the team in November 2024. The 34-year-old enjoyed a solid Vitality Blast season with Durham in 2025, scoring 304 runs in 14 matches. Fellow veteran Timm van der Gugten also returns to the T20I line-up for the first time since 2024, having picked up six wickets in ten matches during his recent T20 Blast campaign.
Medium-fast bowler Logan van Beek is making his comeback after making his last appearance for the Netherlands in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He has since gained match practice in the Super Smash in New Zealand, where he claimed five wickets in seven matches for Wellington. Kyle Klein and Noah Croes are the two uncapped T20 World Cup players in the squad, with Croes named as Edwards’ back-up wicketkeeping option.
However, Teja Nidamanuru, Tim Pringle and Vikramjit Singh, all part of the Bangladesh T20I series, have been left out. Furthermore, Cedric de Lange, Sikander Zulfiqar, Sebastiaan Braat, Daniel Doram, Shariz Ahmad and Ryan Klein are also missing.
The Netherlands has been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, India, Namibia and the United States. Their campaign begins against Pakistan on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches in Delhi, Chennai and Ahmedabad, including a clash against defending champions India at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Dutch selection for T20 World Cup:
Scott Edwards (c), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O’Dowd, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Saqib Zulfiqar.
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