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Belfast Wolves will face Amsterdam Flames in the Qualifier of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026 at Malahide Cricket Club, Ireland, on September 19. The winner will secure a place in the inaugural ETPL final, while the losing side will see its campaign come to an end. The two teams have already met twice in the league stage, with Belfast Wolves winning both encounters.
Belfast head into the knockout contest after finishing their league campaign with six victories from 10 matches. They also defeated Edinburgh Castle Rockers in their final league-stage fixture on September 17. The Wolves have maintained remarkable consistency, naming an unchanged XI in their last two games, and are expected to stick with the same combination against Amsterdam.
Their latest XI contains plenty of international experience, with Paul Stirling, Mark Chapman, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller and Chris Jordan forming the core of the side. Here is Belfast Wolves’ predicted playing XI in ETPL 2026 Qualifier against Amsterdam Flames.
Paul Stirling is expected to open the innings for Belfast Wolves. The experienced Ireland batter remains one of the most accomplished T20 players in the lineup and has already featured prominently at the top of the order.
Stirling’s aggressive approach during the Powerplay can put pressure on Amsterdam’s new-ball bowlers. His experience in knockout cricket will also be valuable when the margin for error is considerably smaller.
Harry Manenti should continue as Stirling’s opening partner. The Italian international has been one of Belfast’s important contributors during the league stage and was included in the last two playing XIs.
Manenti also provides an additional bowling option, giving Glenn Maxwell flexibility during the middle overs. His ability to contribute in both departments makes him an important part of Belfast’s balance.
Lorcan Tucker is likely to retain the wicketkeeping duties and bat at No. 3. The Ireland wicketkeeper-batter offers stability between the aggressive opening pair and Belfast’s powerful middle order.
Tucker’s role could become particularly important if Amsterdam’s bowlers manage to pick up an early wicket. He can rotate the strike and build a platform for the likes of Maxwell and Miller.
Mark Chapman should continue at No. 4. The New Zealand all-rounder adds versatility to the Belfast batting lineup and has plenty of experience playing T20 cricket.
Chapman can switch between accumulation and aggression depending on the situation. His ability to contribute with the ball also gives Maxwell another tactical option if the Wolves need additional overs.
Captain Glenn Maxwell is expected to occupy the No. 5 position. The Australian all-rounder is one of the most dangerous players in the Belfast squad and has the ability to change a game with either bat or ball.
Maxwell’s off-spin could also be important against Amsterdam’s middle order. More importantly, his experience and tactical awareness will be crucial as Belfast attempt to reach the tournament’s final.
David Miller should continue at No. 6 after playing a major role in Belfast’s recent victory over Amsterdam. In their September 10 meeting, Miller remained unbeaten on 42 off 26 balls, striking four sixes as Belfast chased down 142 with an over remaining.
His finishing ability makes him one of the most important players in the Wolves’ batting lineup. Amsterdam will be particularly wary of Miller’s ability to clear the boundary under pressure.
Mark Adair is expected to retain his place as a seam-bowling all-rounder. The Ireland international adds depth to the batting order while also providing Glenn Maxwell with another pace option.
Adair’s ability to bowl hard lengths and variations can be useful during the middle and death overs. His lower-order hitting further strengthens Belfast’s batting depth.
Chris Jordan should continue as one of Belfast’s principal pace bowlers. The England veteran brings extensive T20 experience and is particularly valuable during the closing stages of an innings.
Jordan’s slower balls, yorkers and variations can be used against Amsterdam’s powerful finishers, including Tim David. He was also part of Belfast’s most recent XI against Edinburgh.
Fred Klaassen is likely to retain his place as a specialist left-arm seamer. The Netherlands international provides variation to Belfast’s bowling attack and can be effective with the new ball.
His angle from around the wicket can challenge Amsterdam’s right-handed batters, while his experience in European conditions makes him a useful option throughout the innings.
Gavin Hoey should continue as the team’s specialist leg-spinner. The Scotland bowler gives Maxwell a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
With Amsterdam possessing several aggressive batters, Hoey’s ability to attack rather than simply contain could be important. Breaking partnerships before the death overs will be one of his key responsibilities.
Matthew Humphreys is expected to complete the XI. The Ireland left-arm spinner has been part of Belfast’s recent combination and offers another variation in the bowling attack.
His role could become especially important if the surface at Malahide assists slower bowlers. Humphreys can also help Maxwell control the middle overs before Jordan and Adair return for the closing phase.
Paul Stirling, Harry Manenti, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Mark Chapman, Glenn Maxwell (c), David Miller, Mark Adair, Chris Jordan, Fred Klaassen, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Humphreys
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