This time, Portugal beat Spain – on the cricket field

Portugal suffered a heartbreak when they lost to eventual champions Spain in the recent FIFA World Cup but on Sunday it was their time to celebrate.

Portugal overcame Spain to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C 2026 final and keep their dream of reaching the 2028 global tournament alive.

Portugal, led by former Australia international Moises Henriques, produced a disciplined all-round performance to secure a 57-run victory over Spain. The result earns them a place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in 2027, where they will have a chance to progress to the Global Qualifier.

Spain’s Christian Munoz-Mills won the toss and opted to field, but Portugal made a steady start. Dhavalkumar Norotam scored 23 while Christopher De Freitas contributed 39, although neither batter was able to convert 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. Portugal finished on 160/6.

Yasir Ali and Lorne Burns were Spain’s leading bowlers, taking two wickets apiece.

Portugal made a stunning start with the ball. Sebastian de Oliveira and Martins struck early to reduce Spain to 32 for three, putting the hosts firmly in control.

Yasir Ali and Daniel Doyle Calle then attempted to rebuild the innings, but Siraj Ullah Khadem changed the course of the chase by dismissing Yasir for 29 in the 11th over.

With the pitch becoming increasingly difficult for new batters to settle on, Portugal tightened the pressure. Khadem finished with excellent figures of 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 for Portugal.

The triumph books Portugal’s place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in 2027. They join Jersey, who qualified by winning Sub-Regional Qualifier A in Cyprus, and Denmark, who claimed the second spot after winning Sub-Regional Qualifier B on home soil.

Scotland will enter the Europe Qualifier directly, following the exceptional circumstances surrounding their participation in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Italy and the Netherlands, meanwhile, are the remaining European teams yet to secure qualification for the 2028 tournament and will advance directly to the Global Qualifier.