Veteran all-rounder Moises Henriques has officially launched a new chapter in his international cricket career by representing Portugal. Upon joining the squad, the 39-year-old was immediately handed the captaincy arm-band and marked his second international debut with a commanding performance against Israel, leading his new side to a dominant victory from the front.
Explosive 66 off 39 Balls Powers Portugal to 163
The encounter took place as part of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier-C tournament. Batting first, Portugal posted a formidable total of 163 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Henriques led the assault with a blistering 66 runs off just 39 deliveries, showcasing his high-level match experience. Supporting the captain, teammate Dhavalkumar Narottam chipped in with a vital 46 runs to bolster Portugal's total.
Israel Restricted to 69 as Portugal Seals 94-Run Win
Faced with a challenging target of 164 runs, Israel's batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure from the Portuguese bowling attack. Israel struggled throughout their innings, managing only 69 runs for the loss of 9 wickets across their 20 overs. With this stellar defensive effort, Portugal wrapped up a comprehensive 94-run victory to give skipper Henriques a ideal start to his leadership stint.
Return to Birthplace via ICC Eligibility Guidelines
Having previously enjoyed a distinguished career playing for Australia across formats, Henriques' debut for Portugal at age 39 came about through specific international regulations. Henriques was born in Madeira, Portugal, before his parents migrated to Australia during his childhood. Under the eligibility rules established by the International Cricket Council (ICC), players are permitted to represent their country of birth, paving the way for Henriques to spearhead Portugal's international setup.
