Pakistan, July 13 -- Italy have made history by qualifying for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, marking their first-ever appearance at a cricket World Cup. Despite a defeat to the Netherlands at The Hague.

The Netherlands also booked their place in next year's showpiece event in India and Sri Lanka after chasing down Italy's total of 134 with eight wickets in hand and 22 balls to spare. The victory also meant that Jersey, despite a dramatic one-wicket win over Scotland earlier in the day, failed to advance.

Italy and Jersey both ended the tournament with five points, but Italy progressed owing to a superior net run-rate. The Italians ensured their spot after taking the Dutch chase beyond the 15th over - enough to confirm their qualific...