Germany join Jersey in global men's T20 World Cup 2022 qualifiers

Despite defeat to Italy in their final European Regional Qualifier group game, Steven Knox side are one step closer to taking their place in Australia next year

Germany have joined Jersey in taking a major step towards the men's T20 World Cup in 2022.

Steven Knox's side have progressed as the second of two nations to global qualifying events scheduled for February and March next year, which provide a direct path into the tournament.

Four places will be up for grabs across two tournaments in locations that are yet to be confirmed.

"It feels amazing. I can't express it in words. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment. We were a bit down and out but the character we showed defines this team," captain Venkatraman Ganesan told DW.

Their progress was secured thanks to a one-run defeat to Italy in their sixth and final group game in Desert Springs.

With a two-point cushion heading into the final game, the Germans knew a win or a narrow loss would be enough to hold off the Italians, coached by Gareth Berg.

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The Azzurri were bowled out for 117 as Dylan Blignaut took a hat-trick, the 21st in men's T20Is.

In reply, Germany looked in trouble at 57 for 6, needing 61 in 31 balls for the win.

And though Dieter Klein and Sahir Naqsh's seventh-wicket stand worth 59 saw them fall two runs short of a fourth group win, it was enough to secure qualification.

It means Germany, who gained associate status in 1999, are one step away from a first appearance at a first major ICC global event in their history.

They will battle it out in one of two eight-team competitions early next year.

Their opponents are yet to be announced but the likes of Hong Kong, Philippines, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, Jersey, Netherlands, Oman, Papua New Guinea are all confirmed to appear.

Five other spots are still to be determined.

Image courtesy of ICC

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