Portugal defeat Spain by 57 runs in Kerava to secure progression from the Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C.
Portugal have taken another major step towards the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 after defeating Spain by 57 runs in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Kerava.
The victory means Portugal have secured a place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in 2027, keeping their hopes of reaching the global tournament alive. Former Australia international and Portugal captain Moises Henriques was part of the winning side as they overcame Spain in a decisive contest.
Spain won the toss and chose to field, but Portugal built a competitive total of 160 for six. Dhavalkumar Norotam scored 23 while Christopher De Freitas contributed 39. Henriques added 18 before Craig Cachopa, Carlos Nunes and Jeremy Martins provided a late surge.
Cachopa made 25 from 21 deliveries, while Nunes struck 15 off nine balls. Martins finished unbeaten on 18 from just eight deliveries to help Portugal post a challenging total. Spain’s Yasir Ali and Lorne Burns claimed two wickets each.
Portugal then produced an impressive bowling performance during Spain’s chase. Sebastian de Oliveira made an early impact, while Martins also played a key role as Portugal reduced Spain to 32 for three.
Yasir Ali and Daniel Doyle Calle attempted to rebuild the innings, but Siraj Ullah Khadem changed the momentum by dismissing Yasir for 29 in the 11th over. Khadem finished with figures of 2/19, while Edward Fleming was Portugal’s standout bowler with an excellent 3/13.
Spain struggled to accelerate on a surface that made it difficult for new batters to settle. Portugal maintained pressure throughout the latter stages before Martins dismissed Lorne Burns to complete a 57-run victory.
Portugal now join Jersey and Denmark in the 2027 Europe Qualifier. Jersey secured the first qualification spot after winning Sub-Regional Qualifier A in Cyprus, while Denmark progressed by winning Sub-Regional Qualifier B on home soil.
Scotland will enter the tournament directly, while Italy and the Netherlands will advance straight to the Global Qualifier as Portugal continue their journey towards the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028.