Moises Henriques named captain as Portugal look to secure T20 World Cup qualification

Former Australia cricketer Moises Henriques has been named captain of Portugal ahead of their participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifier C 2026. Henriques' experience is pivotal as Portugal aim to qualify for the marquee tournament for the first time.

Henriques, 39, was born on a Portuguese island named Madeira, situated to the west of Morocco. His family shifted base to Australia when he was a kid. The batting allrounder represented New South Wales and Sydney Sixers in the domestic circuit and the Big Bash League. His impressive performances also caught the eye of the national selectors, and he was eventually picked for Australia.

He made his international debut in a T20I fixture against Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand on February 15, 2009. His ODI debut came against India in Delhi on October 31, 2009. Moey, as his teammates fondly addressed him, made his Test debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February 2013 in Chennai.

His last international appearance came against Bangladesh in a T20I fixture in Mirpur on August 9, 2021. The seam-bowling allrounder finished his international career for Australia with four Tests, 16 ODIs and 24 T20I caps. He announced his retirement from Australia's domestic circuit on July 16.

Meanwhile, Portugal, who are ranked 37th in the men's T20I team rankings, are placed in Group B of the Sub Regional Europe Qualifier C. They have to face Israel, Germany, Czech Republic and Greece in the competition. The winner of Group B will take on the winner of Group A in the final on August 21.

The winner of the final will join Denmark, Jersey and Scotland in the European regional final. The top two from the regional event will then progress to the global qualifier of the T20 World Cup 2028, slated to be held in Australia and New Zealand.

Portugal squad: 

Moises Henriques (c), Craig Cachopa, Edward Fleming, Christopher de Freitas, Rahulkumar Hashu, Siraj Ullah Khadem, Hardeep Khuttan, Jeremy Martins, Dhavalkumar Norotam (wk), Jordan Netto, Carlos Nunes, Sebastian de Oliveira, Upen Shantu, Cameron Shekleton

Portugal's fixtures at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifier C