Portugal clinch Sub‑Regional crown and move closer to 2028 World Cup

Portugal captured the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub‑Regional Qualifier C title in Kerava, defeating Spain to secure a spot in the 2027 Europe Qualifier. Batting first, Portugal posted 160/6 thanks to steady contributions from Christopher De Freitas, Craig Cachopa and a late surge led by Jeremy Martins. Spain’s Yasir Ali and Lorne Burns impressed with the ball, but Portugal’s total proved more than enough.

Sebastian de Oliveira and Martins dismantled Spain’s top order early, reducing them to 32/3. Yasir and Daniel Doyle Calle revived the chase briefly, before Siraj Ullah Khadem’s breakthrough shifted momentum again. Edward Fleming’s sharp spell accelerated Spain’s collapse, and Martins sealed a 57‑run victory by bowling Burns.

Portugal now advance to the Europe Qualifier alongside Jersey, Denmark and Scotland, with Italy and the Netherlands already bound for the Global Qualifier. The win keeps Moises Henriques’ ambition of reaching the 2028 World Cup firmly alive.