Spain stopped after 24 matches, Portugal's victory opens up new dreams for the World Cup

It is not about world champions Spain in football, but the country's cricket team that is in the discussion this time. After winning 24 consecutive matches in international T20s, Spain finally tasted defeat. Portugal has stopped their great winning streak.

Portugal has made it to the 2027 European qualifiers by defeating Spain by 57 runs in the final of the World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier 'C'. If they can pass that stage, they will also get the opportunity to play in the 2028 T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.

As a result of the loss to Portugal, Spain did not touch the record of being unbeaten in international cricket. The record of being unbeaten in 25 consecutive Tests between 1946 and 1951 is still held by Australia.

In 2009-10, Ricky Ponting's Australia was unbeaten in 24 consecutive matches in Tests, ODIs and T20s. They missed the opportunity to touch the record of 25 matches by losing the first ODI by 2 wickets on the New Zealand tour.

However, Spain had already surpassed Australia's old record for consecutive wins. In 2003, Australia won 20 consecutive matches in Tests and ODIs. On the other hand, Spain won 24 consecutive matches from February to August 18, 2023.

This time, that winning streak came to an end for Portugal.

By defeating Spain, Portugal not only won a match, but also took a big step forward on the road to the World Cup. Under former Australian cricketer Moises Henriques, Portugal won five consecutive matches in the Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier.

Batting first in the final, Henriques' team scored 160 runs. In reply, Spain's innings was limited to just 103 runs. Henriques is also at the top of the list of highest run-scorers in this qualifier, having scored more than 190 runs.

Bangladesh cricketer Siraj Ullah Khadem is also in the Portugal team. In the important match against Spain, this left-arm spinner took 2 wickets for just 19 runs in 4 overs.

The win means Portugal will be joined by Jersey and Denmark in the European qualifiers, with Scotland also set to play in the round. On the other hand, two European teams, Italy and the Netherlands, have secured direct places in the global qualifiers.