The Netherlands women’s national cricket team have announced their squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking their first-ever appearance in the global event. Wicketkeeper-batter Babette de Leede will captain the side, continuing a strong family legacy in Dutch cricket.
Babette follows in the footsteps of her uncle Tim de Leede and cousin Bas de Leede, both of whom represented the Netherlands in men’s World Cups.
A Landmark Moment for Dutch Women’s Cricket
The Netherlands secured qualification through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers held earlier this year in Nepal. Their progression to the main event reflects the steady rise of women’s cricket in the country.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Babette expressed excitement about competing at the highest level and representing the Netherlands on a global stage, while also highlighting the opportunity to inspire young players back home.
Squad Overview
The squad blends experience with emerging talent: Babette de Leede (c), 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, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, Sterre Kalis
Preparation and Group Challenge
Ahead of the World Cup, the Netherlands will fine-tune their preparations through a T20I tri-series in Scotland, featuring Bangladesh as well.
Placed in a challenging group, the Dutch side will face top teams including India, Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Fixtures and Venues
The Netherlands will begin their campaign against Bangladesh at Edgbaston on June 14. Their remaining group-stage matches will be played across key venues in England:
- Leeds – vs India
- Southampton – vs Australia
- Bristol – vs South Africa and Pakistan
A New Chapter Begins
With a historic debut on the horizon, Babette de Leede and her squad will aim to make an impact against some of the world’s strongest teams. Playing in England, close to home conditions, is expected to bring strong support from Dutch fans, adding to the significance of the occasion.
