The European leg of qualifying for the next women's T20 World Cup - one of four pathway events for that tournament currently in progress around the world - began today in Spain with favourites Scotland and Netherlands starting with big wins over Italy and France respectively.

Dutch captain Heather Siegers won the toss in the first game at Desert Springs this morning and chose to bowl first. French skipper Marie Violleau batted well and scored 38 from 39 balls, but the rest of the French batting order was as brttile as concrete in a British school with no other batter reaching double figures. France were restricted to 83-9 from their 20 overs with Robine Rijke the pick of the Dutch bowlers, taking 3-15.

The Netherlands raced to their target in just 8.1 overs to win by 8 wickets. Iris Zwilling top scored for the Dutch with a rapid 36 from only 18 balls.

Later in the day, Italy captain Kumudu Peddrick chose to bat first after wining the toss against Scotland. Methnara Rathnayake top scored for them with 30 as they scored 88-7 from their 20 overs.

Ailsa Lister then smashed an unbeaten 54 from 28 balls as Scotland chased down their target in only 8.3 overs to secure a nine wicket win.

There are still ten games to go in this double round-robin tournament from which two teams progress to the global qualifier next year. Tomorrow, Netherlands ans Scotland will face off in the morning, whilst France take on Italy in the afternoon.