Moises Henriques to Lead Portugal in T20 World Cup Qualifiers
Moises Henriques, a former all-rounder for Australia, has taken on the role of captain for the Portuguese national cricket team as they aim to qualify for the T20 World Cup for the very first time. At 39 years old, Henriques, who has played four Tests, 16 One Day Internationals, and 24 T20 matches for Australia, will head a 14-member squad at the T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C taking place in Finland.
Originally from Madeira, the same Portuguese island that birthed football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, Henriques moved to Australia as a child. He has since enjoyed a successful domestic career, primarily with New South Wales and the Sydney Sixers. Recently, he announced his retirement from Australian domestic cricket but will continue his playing career internationally, currently contracted with Glasgow Cosmic in the new European T20 Premier League.
Portugal is currently ranked 37th in the ICC men’s T20I standings and finds itself in Group B, where they will compete against Israel, Germany, Greece, and Czechia. The tournament runs from August 14 to 20, with the top team from each group moving on to the final, scheduled for August 21.
The champion of the final will advance to the European regional final, joining Scotland, Jersey, and Denmark, who have already secured their spots. From the regional final, the leading two teams will qualify for a global qualifier for the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Henriques last donned the Australian jersey in 2021 but has remained active in both domestic and franchise cricket. He brings valuable experience with 44 international matches to a Portuguese team striving for recognition on the world stage.
The squad also includes former Sussex, Auckland, and Wellington wicketkeeper-batter Craig Cachopa, alongside Cameron Shekleton, who has played for South Africa A. Additionally, Sebastian de Oliveira, who once played a List A match for Gauteng with South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton, will represent Portugal. Bangladesh-born spinner Siraj Ullah Khadem, featured in the longlist for this year’s Hundred auction, has also been selected.
Henriques takes over captaincy from Carlos Nunes, who stays on in the squad. Portugal will kick off their tournament against Israel on August 14, followed by matches against Germany, Greece, and Czechia on August 15, 17, and 20.
Portugal Squad: Moises Henriques (captain), Craig Cachopa, Edward Fleming, Christopher de Freitas, Rahulkumar Hashu, Siraj Ullah Khadem, Hardeep Khuttan, Jeremy Martins, Dhavalkumar Norotam (wicket-keeper), Jordan Netto, Carlos Nunes, Sebastian de Oliveira, Upen Shantu, Cameron Shekleton.
