Former Australia all-rounder Moises Henriques is set to lead Portugal in their attempt to qualify for the T20 World Cup for the first time.
The 39-year-old has been named captain of Portugal’s 14-member squad for the T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C, which will be played in Finland from August 14 to 20. The tournament will feature Portugal, Israel, Germany, Greece and Czechia in Group B, with the group winners progressing to the final on August 21.
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Henriques brings significant international experience to the Portugal side. He represented Australia in four Tests, 16 ODIs and 24 T20Is, making 44 international appearances during his career. His last appearance for Australia came in 2021.
Born in Madeira, the Portuguese island that is also the birthplace of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, Henriques moved to Australia with his family when he was a young child. He subsequently developed a successful cricket career in Australia, playing extensively for New South Wales and the Sydney Sixers.
Henriques announced his retirement from Australian domestic cricket last month but is continuing to play overseas. He is also contracted to Glasgow Cosmic for the inaugural European T20 Premier League.
His international experience could prove valuable for Portugal, who are currently ranked 37th in the ICC men’s T20I rankings and are hoping to take another step towards the global stage.
Portugal will begin their campaign against Israel on August 14 before facing Germany on August 15. They will then take on Greece on August 17 and Czechia on August 20.
The winner of the group will advance to the final, with victory there securing a place in the European regional final. Scotland, Jersey and Denmark have already secured their places in that stage.
The top two teams from the European regional final will then advance to the global qualifier for the 2028 T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Portugal have assembled a squad containing several players with experience at different levels of professional cricket. Former Sussex, Auckland and Wellington wicketkeeper-batter Craig Cachopa is part of the team, while Cameron Shekleton has represented South Africa A.
Sebastian de Oliveira, who featured in a List A match for Gauteng alongside South Africa batter Ryan Rickelton, has also been selected. Bangladesh-born spinner Siraj Ullah Khadem, who was included in the longlist for this year’s Hundred auction, adds further experience to the squad.
Henriques takes over the captaincy from Carlos Nunes, who remains part of the 14-member squad.
For Portugal, the qualification campaign represents an opportunity to establish themselves more firmly on the international cricket map. For Henriques, it offers a chance to use his experience from the highest level to help his country of birth pursue a historic qualification.
Portugal squad
Moises Henriques (capt), 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.
