Moises Henriques hits maiden T20I century for Portugal in European qualifier

Moises Henriques struck 111 off 51 balls for Portugal against Czech Republic in the Men's T20 World Cup European qualifier on Thursday, August 21, recording his first T20I hundred just three matches after switching international allegiance. The innings came during a match in which rain shortened play and Portugal were awarded a 91-run victory by the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Henriques is a former Australia international who represented his previous country 44 times across Tests, ODIs and T20Is without ever scoring a century. The 38-year-old ended his Australian career only last month and has moved to represent Portugal, the country of his birth. He arrived at this tournament having taken on the additional responsibility of captaining Portugal in his first event with the side. The switch followed more than a decade spent in Australian colours.

Henriques came to the crease at No.3 after Portugal lost a wicket from the opening delivery and immediately accelerated the chase of runs. His 111 included 12 boundaries and seven sixes and was compiled off just 51 deliveries. That aggressive knock propelled Portugal to 211/6 before play was affected by rain.

Rain curtailed further play and the hosts were awarded victory by 91 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method. The win was Portugal's fourth consecutive triumph in the qualifying tournament. Henriques’ century increased his tournament aggregate to 178 runs from three innings and made him the leading run-scorer in the competition.

Portugal now face fellow unbeaten Group A side Spain on Friday in a match described as crucial for progression. Spain have also won four straight games in the group, their most recent result a nine-wicket victory over Bulgaria. The winner of the Portugal–Spain fixture will progress to the regional final on the qualification pathway for the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

For Henriques, the qualifying tournament represents a new chapter after a long spell with Australia, and his early form has been notable for Portugal. With a place in the regional final now within reach, Henriques could yet play a central role in taking Portugal closer to an unlikely appearance at the T20 World Cup.