ICC Trophy Photo © ECC

Twenty-two Associate countries, eight of which were European, assembled for the ICC Trophy in Toronto to compete for the three available World Cup places on offer.

Half the European teams were eliminated at the end of the group stage, with Germany placed 3rd and Gibraltar 4th in Group A Division 2, and France 5th and Israel 6th in Group B Division 2.

Holland and Scotland (who finished 1st and 2nd in Group A) and Denmark and Ireland (who finished 1st and 3rd in Group B), along with the USA, Canada, Namibia and UAE, all advanced to the eight-team superleague, however, where the top two teams would automatically qualify for the World Cup, with the 3rd and 4th placed teams meeting in a sudden-death play-off for the final qualifying spot.

Ireland finished 8th and Denmark 6th, both losing extremely close matches, while Scotland met hosts Canada in the play-off for 3rd and 4th place, but missed out on qualification for the World Cup as a result of an impressive performance from the Canadians.

Holland secured their World Cup slot with a narrow win over Namibia in a nail-biting final.

Batting second, they managed to make 21 off the final two overs, including, crucially, the necessary three runs off the final ball.

Congratulations to everyone involved on their sterling efforts, particularly Holland, who will be flying the European flag at the next World Cup, and commiseration to those who came so close.