Italy punched above their weight and stunned Scotland with a 12-run victory in a nail-biting ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Region Final match, played in The Hague on Wednesday. This win moves Italy a step closer to qualification for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in early 2026.
Following this result, Italy sit at the top of the points table. They have played three matches, winning two, with one producing no result. Italy now have five points, while Jersey and Scotland, in second and third place respectively, have three points each.
After electing to bat first, opener Emilio Gay top-scored with a blistering 50 off just 21 balls, including six fours and two sixes.
Hary Manenti and Grant Stewart then added a valuable 46-run stand off 37 balls, helping Italy post a competitive total of 167 for 6 in their 20 overs. Manenti contributed 38 off 38 balls, while Stewart smashed a quick 44 off 27 deliveries. For Scotland, Michael Leask stood out with a three-wicket haul.
In response, George Munsey and Richie Berrington put together a solid 105-run partnership off 75 balls, but it wasn’t enough to get Scotland over the line. Munsey made 72 off 61 balls, while Berrington remained unbeaten on 46 off 37.
The hero with the ball for Italy was Manenti, who claimed a superb five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 31 from his four overs. For his all-round heroics, he won the player of the match award.
Italy will now face the Netherlands in their final match. A win will secure them direct qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, if they lose, their fate will hinge on net run rate.
For the latest sports news follow- Revsportz