The 2025 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier Division Two is set to take action on May 25, in Italy. The opening match features the hosts Italy against Jersey, who enter the tournament with an unbeaten streak, winning all six of their matches of the 2025 T20 International in Cyprus over Easter. With both the teams eager to secure a top two finish to advance to Division One in the Netherlands in August, this contest promises to be a showcase of emerging talent and seasoned players striving for World Cup Qualification.
Taking a glance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Region Qualifier 2023, Scotland emerged as the table toppers, though lost their first game, but momentarily won the remaining four matches. Netherlands stood second in the point table, with Italy at third with two wins from five games and 4 points to their name, while France lost all of their 5 matches, ending their ticket to qualification in 2023.
Squad:
Italy Women’s Cricket Team
Emilia Bar team (C), Dilaisha Nanayakkara (VC), Teshani Araliya, Nimesha Ekanayake, Ishara Jayamannage, Pasindi Kanankege, Alexia Kontopirakis, Chathurika Mahamalage, Emma Moore, Kumudu Peddrick, Chloe Piparo, Methnara Rathnayake (WK), Ilenia Sims, Annie Wikman
Jersey Women’s Cricket Team
Chloe Greechan (C), Aimee Aikenhead, Olivia Bastin, Kate Follain, Lily Greig, Nia Greig, Mia Maguire (WK), Georgia Mallet, Analise Merritt, Annie Mossop, Trinity Smith, Tallulah Spry, Florence Tanguy, Grace Wetherall
Players to watch out:
Chloe Piparo
The right-handed batter hailing from Australia brings a wealth of experience to the Italian side. Piparo has played extensively for Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers. She has amassed over 2150 runs in Women’s List A cricket and 1229 in Women’s T20. Her presence is expected to bolster Italy’s batting line-up significantly.
Ilenia Sims
The right-arm bowler made her debut in Women’s T20I for Italy in 2024. In her debut match against the Netherlands, she claimed 3 wickets for 27 runs. She has been consistent in picking up wickets in Women’s List A, claiming 25 and 32 in Women’s T20. She has notable figures including a 5/8 haul in a T20 against Cumbria.
Analise Merritt
The right-hand batter has been a mainstay in Jersey’s lineup since her debut. She holds the record for the highest seventh-wicket partnership in Women’s T20Is, scoring an unbeaten 45 in a 101-run stand. She has amassed a total of 568 runs and picked up 26 wickets in Women’s T20Is.
Grace Wetherall
The all-rounder made her debut for Jersey in 2019. She is the first player to score a Women’s T20I half-century batting at number eight. As of May 2025, she remains the only person to achieve this feat. In her Women’s T20I career, she has accumulated 378 runs and picked up 18 wickets from 35 matches.
Pitch:
The center wicket at the Roma Cricket Ground is known for its balanced nature, offering opportunities for both batters and bowlers. Pacers are favorable and batters can craft competitive totals.
Weather:
The weather in Rome on match day is expected to be mostly sunny and pleasant, with a temperature of 25°C, with a sunny Sunday. There is a negligible chance of precipitation, but humidity may rise to 41%.
Fantasy XI Picks:
Chloe Piparo, Methnara Rathnayake, Ilenia Sims, Mia Maguire, Grace Wetherall, Analise Merritt, Emilia Bartram, Chloe Greechan, Georgia Mallet, Nimesha Ekanayake, Kate Follain
Match details:
Date – May 25, 2025
Time – 1:45 PM IST
Venue – Roma Cricket Ground
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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