Former Australia international Moises Henriques produced a stunning display for Portugal, smashing his first century as captain against the Czech Republic in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Europe Qualifier C. The 38-year-old took the attack apart with a blistering 111 off just 51 balls, sending 12 fours and seven sixes over the boundary. Batting at No. 3, he put Portugal firmly in control and shared a 107-run partnership with Christopher De Freitas, who contributed 30 from 27 balls. Carlos Nunes then added an unbeaten 31 off 19 as Portugal finished on 211.
The former Australia international, who played 44 matches for the country, has now become the tournament’s leading run-scorer, with 178 runs from three innings at an average of 89. His century and half-century have underlined his importance to Portugal’s campaign. The Czech Republic struggled in reply, reaching just 24/5 in 8.5 overs before rain brought the contest to an early end. Portugal were declared 91-run winners via the DLS method and secured top spot in Group B, booking a place in the final against Spain. The result also keeps their hopes of reaching the 2028 T20 World Cup global qualifiers alive.
Moises Henriques’ heroics boost Portugal’s World Cup qualification hopes ahead of match against Spain
Moises Henriques’ stunning 111 off 51 balls against Czechia has put Portugal within touching distance of the next stage of the 2028 T20 World Cup qualification pathway. The former Australia international smashed 12 fours and seven sixes as Portugal posted 211/6 before rain brought the Czech chase to an early end at 24/5. Portugal won by 91 runs via the DLS method and finished their campaign strongly. The victory set up a crucial final against Spain, with the winner of the 10-team Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C advancing to the European regional final. Portugal’s path, however, does not end there.
The tournament winner will join Scotland, Jersey and Denmark in the next stage of European qualification. From that regional final, the top two sides will advance to the global qualifier for the 2028 T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand. For Portugal, that makes the Spain clash a huge occasion. Henriques’ arrival has already given the side valuable experience and firepower, but the team still needs to clear two more stages before it can dream of reaching the main tournament. A victory over Spain would be the next big step in what could become a remarkable World Cup journey for the Portugal-born former Australian all-rounder and his new national team.
