New Delhi, June 13: The journey of the Netherlands women’s cricket team to the T20 World Cup 2026 is far beyond a typical sports narrative. It is a story of struggle, perseverance, limited resources, and continuous self-affirmation. Babette de Leede, the captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, has played a pivotal role in this journey. She emphasizes that the only way forward is up.
The Netherlands secured their spot in the World Cup through the global qualifiers. In a decisive match played in Kirtipur, Nepal, rain interrupted the game while chasing 129 runs against the USA. The Netherlands had reached a score of 90/2 in 12 overs and were ahead under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) rule, moving towards victory. The rain led to a halt in the match, and ultimately, the Netherlands was declared the winner. This victory marked their first-ever entry into the T20 World Cup.
Recalling that moment, Babette said, “The experience was incredible and emotional. This win was the result of years of hard work, where the team continuously improved and faced every challenge.”
She added, “The journey of the Netherlands women’s cricket team has not been easy. There was a time when the team struggled in global qualifiers, and winning on a big stage seemed distant. Women’s cricket did not receive the recognition in the country that football or other sports enjoyed. Many people did not even understand cricket properly and associated it with other sports.”
Babette noted, “Over time, changes came. In 2020, the team got its first full-time coach, which transformed their gameplay. Previously, players had to balance studies, jobs, and cricket. The lack of regular training was the team’s biggest challenge. Gradually, improvements began to show. The team finished sixth in the 2024 global qualifiers. Although they did not qualify directly for the World Cup, they understood what was necessary to compete at the international level. During this time, the ICC increased the number of teams in the World Cup from 10 to 12, opening doors for them.”
She remarked, “In the qualifiers held in Nepal, the team performed excellently, winning all five group matches and making history. The rain-affected victory against the USA turned our dream into reality. The atmosphere of celebration was deeply emotional, with players joyfully slipping on the rain cover. This was not just a win; it was the culmination of years of struggle.”
Babette de Leede’s cricket journey is equally inspiring. She began playing international cricket at the age of 16 and gradually became a key player in the team. Under her captaincy, the team learned to perform strategically better. Babette, a student of econometrics, showcases her analytical approach in her captaincy. Her deep understanding of statistics and strategy is evident on the field. Studying opponents’ strike zones, bowlers’ patterns, and match conditions is a crucial part of her preparation. This data-driven mindset adds a new dimension to the team.
The Netherlands captain stated, “Our team’s uniqueness lies in the fact that most players are not full-time professionals. Many players work as doctors, students, researchers, and in technical fields. One player works in the medical field while another juggles criminology studies with cricket. This balance makes them even more special.”
She emphasized, “Despite limited resources and experience within the team, the players’ spirit is strong. They are ready to compete against powerhouse teams like Australia, India, South Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for us. Unfamiliar conditions can sometimes be advantageous, as the opposing teams may not fully understand their gameplay.”
The captain believes that their goal is not just to participate but to create significant upsets. They aim to win at least two matches to secure a spot in the top eight, which would allow for direct qualification for the 2028 World Cup.
Babette de Leede mentioned that former English cricketer Sarah Taylor is her inspiration. She hopes to meet her and learn from her experiences.
Cricket is gradually gaining popularity in the Netherlands, especially following the women’s team’s performance. Players are now receiving more recognition, and young girls are being drawn to the sport.
The captain stated, “Considering the conditions in England, the team feels prepared, as the weather in the Netherlands is also quite unpredictable and challenging. Conditions like rain, wind, and seam movement feel familiar to them.”
Babette believes that this World Cup is not just a tournament but an opportunity to show the world that the Netherlands team is not to be underestimated. Their goal is for the team to play their best cricket and elevate women’s cricket to new heights in the future.
She concluded, “We have reached the World Cup, but this is just the beginning. The path ahead is upward.”
The Netherlands is part of Group A, which includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, and South Africa.
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