This time, Portugal beat Spain – on the cricket field

Portugal, led by former Australia international Moises Henriques, produced a disciplined all-round performance to secure a 57-run victory over Spain in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C 2026 final. Portugal finished on 160/6. Dhavalkumar Norotam scored 23 while Christopher De Freitas contributed 39, although neither batter converted their starts into a substantial innings. Captain Henriques also made 18 before departing, while Craig Cachopa’s 25 off 21 balls, Carlos Nunes’ 15 off nine, and an unbeaten 18 from Jeremy Martins off just eight deliveries provided Portugal with a late boost. Spain’s Christian Munoz-Mills won the toss and opted to field. Portugal made a stunning start with the ball, reducing Spain to 32 for three with Sebastian de Oliveira and Martins striking early. Yasir Ali and Daniel Doyle Calle attempted to rebuild the innings, but Siraj Ullah Khadem dismissed Yasir for 29 in the 11th over, changing the course of the chase. With the pitch becoming increasingly difficult, Portugal tightened the pressure. Khadem finished with 2/19, while Edward Fleming produced the standout bowling performance with 3/13. Spain’s promising chase soon faded, and Martins completed the win by bowling Lorne Burns, sealing a convincing 57-run victory. The triumph books Portugal’s place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in 2027, alongside Jersey and Denmark. Scotland will enter directly, while Italy and the Netherlands will advance to the Global Qualifier.