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Netherlands Name Debutants for Historic Women's T20 World Cup Campaign

The Netherlands women's cricket team have announced their 15-member squad for their maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup appearance in 2026. Wicketkeeper-batter Rosalie Lawrence and bowling allrounder Lara Leemhuis are the only new additions from the team that featured in the recent Qualifier. Captain Babette de Leede expressed excitement about leading the team into uncharted territory against top international sides. The Dutch team will prepare with a tri-series against Bangladesh and Scotland before their World Cup campaign begins on June 14.

Key Points: Netherlands Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Announced

  • Netherlands announce 15-member squad for first Women's T20 World Cup
  • Rosalie Lawrence and Lara Leemhuis earn maiden call-ups
  • Team placed in Group 1 with India, Australia, South Africa
  • Preparatory tri-series with Bangladesh and Scotland ahead of tournament
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Netherlands name Leemhuis, Lawrence in debut squad for Women's T20 World Cup

Netherlands name Rosalie Lawrence and Lara Leemhuis in 15-member squad for their maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup appearance, placed in Group 1 with India, Australia, and South Africa.

"We are super excited for our first-ever appearance in the ICC T20 World Cup. - Babette de Leede"

Amsterdam, May 6

The Netherlands women's team have announced a 15-member squad for their maiden appearance at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, with Rosalie Lawrence and Lara Leemhuis earning call-ups as the only changes from the group that featured in the recent Qualifier.

Wicketkeeper-batter Lawrence and bowling allrounder Leemhuis have been drafted into the side led by Babette de Leede, as the Dutch prepare for a landmark moment in their women's cricket history.

The same squad will also take part in a preparatory tri-series featuring the Bangladesh women's team and the Scotland women's team ahead of the global tournament.

The Netherlands secured their place in the World Cup after progressing through the Qualifier earlier this year, marking a significant step forward for the side on the international stage.

Head coach Neil MacRae said the squad reflects a strong balance built over consistent performances in recent ICC events. "The Netherlands have selected a World Cup squad which blends youth and experience, with players who have performed consistently well during ICC qualifying tournaments and emerging competitions over the past year," he noted, according to ICC.

Captain de Leede expressed excitement at leading the team into uncharted territory. "We are super excited for our first-ever appearance in the ICC T20 World Cup. It's a great opportunity to compete with the best teams in the world and showcase the talent we have in the Netherlands," she said, adding that the team hopes to inspire the next generation of cricketers back home.

Placed in a challenging Group 1, the Netherlands will face India women's team, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and Bangladesh. They begin their campaign against Bangladesh at Edgbaston on June 14.

Prior to the World Cup, the Dutch side will fine-tune their preparations in a tri-series in Scotland, featuring six round-robin matches scheduled from May 28 to June 4.

The 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 12 to July 5, 2026, hosted by England and Wales. This 10th edition of the tournament will feature 12 teams competing in 33 matches across seven venues.

Netherlands women's squad: Babette de Leede (captain), Caroline de Lange, Frederique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Lara Leemhuis, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Rosalie Lawrence (wk), Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, Sterre Kalis.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
Honestly, this is fantastic for women's cricket globally. The more teams that compete, the better the sport becomes. Netherlands have been improving steadily in women's cricket. Our Indian team should not take them lightly - remember how associate nations have caused upsets before! 👏
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Vikram M
As an Indian fan, I'm excited to see new teams in the World Cup. But I hope our girls don't get complacent. Netherlands might be debutants but they've earned their spot through qualifiers. Every match in the group stage will be crucial. Really looking forward to watching Rosalie Lawrence and Lara Leemhuis - always love seeing fresh talent on the world stage! 🌟
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Ananya R
This is beautiful for women's cricket! Netherlands reaching the World Cup shows how the sport is expanding beyond traditional powerhouses. I hope this inspires more girls in India and around the world to take up cricket. The tri-series with Bangladesh and Scotland will be great preparation for them. Best of luck to the Dutch team! 🙏
K
Kavya N
While I'm happy for Netherlands, I wish India's domestic structure would take more cues from such developments. Netherlands have built a squad with youth and experience, while we keep shuffling players without proper planning. Still, it's great to see the game growing. Just hope India doesn't underestimate any team in that group! 🤞
J
James A
As a cricket fan from the US, this is brilliant news! The women's game is expanding so fast. Netherlands have always had a strong hockey tradition, but cricket is clearly making inroads. Babette de Leede seems like a level-headed captain. Looking forward to

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