Now Reading: Babette de Leede Named Captain as Netherlands Unveil 14-Player Squad for Emerging Nations Trophy
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Babette de Leede Named Captain as Netherlands Unveil 14-Player Squad for Emerging Nations Trophy
Babette de Leede Named Captain as Netherlands Unveil 14-Player Squad for Emerging Nations Trophy
The Netherlands women are ready for another global stage. Babette de Leede will captain a 14-player squad at the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, which opens on November 12 in the UAE. With a bigger field, tougher opponents and defending champions Thailand in the same group, the Dutch have plenty to prove.
Netherlands Name Squad Led by Babette de Leede
Netherlands have confirmed their squad for the tournament, with de Leede entrusted with the captaincy. The event runs from November 12 to November 25, 2026.
The selection looks settled. Most of the group was part of the Netherlands side at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales earlier in 2026.
Full Netherlands Squad
| No. | Player | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Babette de Leede | Captain |
| 2 | Carlijn van Koolwijk | Not in T20 World Cup group |
| 3 | Caroline de Lange | |
| 4 | Frédérique Overdijk | |
| 5 | Hannah Landheer | Not in T20 World Cup group |
| 6 | Heather Siegers | |
| 7 | Iris Zwilling | |
| 8 | Myrthe van den Raad | |
| 9 | Phebe Molkenboer | |
| 10 | Robine Rijke | |
| 11 | Rosalie Lawrence | |
| 12 | Sanya Khurana | |
| 13 | Silver Siegers | |
| 14 | Sterre Kalis |
Two Changes From the T20 World Cup Group
Carlijn van Koolwijk and Hannah Landheer are the two notable exceptions. Both have been included despite not featuring in the T20 World Cup squad.
Everyone else is a familiar name from the Dutch women’s setup. That continuity should help as the team prepares for a demanding Group B campaign against established opposition.
Group B: A Tough Test for the Dutch
Netherlands have been drawn in Group B alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Thailand. Thailand won the inaugural edition in November 2025 and arrive as the side to beat.
Group A features hosts UAE, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Ireland and Sri Lanka.
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| UAE | Netherlands |
| Papua New Guinea | Pakistan |
| Scotland | Bangladesh |
| Ireland | Zimbabwe |
| Sri Lanka | Thailand |
Why Group B Looks So Competitive
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe are Full Members, while Thailand bring title-holder confidence. Netherlands will have little room for error in a five-team group.
Every fixture will carry weight, and a slow start could prove costly.
An Expanded Tournament Format
This edition has doubled in size. The field has grown from five teams at the inaugural event to ten, split into two groups of five.
Five Full Members take part: Ireland, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The five Associate nations are Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and UAE.
Tournament at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Teams | 10 (up from 5) |
| Groups | 2 groups of 5 |
| Dates | November 12 to November 25, 2026 |
| Location | Ajman, UAE |
| Venues | Karwan Sports Club Ground and Seven Districts Sports Club Ground |
| Defending champions | Thailand |
What to Watch for Netherlands
The tournament offers a valuable platform against a mix of Full Member and Associate sides. For a squad that has recently played on the T20 World Cup stage, it is a chance to build on that experience.
De Leede’s leadership will be central. The inclusion of van Koolwijk and Landheer also adds fresh options to an otherwise familiar group.
With all matches staged across two venues in Ajman, teams will quickly get to know the conditions. The side that adapts fastest could take control of the group.
Netherlands begin their journey when the tournament gets under way on November 12. Can the Dutch topple defending champions Thailand and push for the title? The answers will arrive soon enough.
