Italy secured their first-ever win over a full ICC member, defeating Ireland by four wickets in the third T20 World Cup warm-up match in Dubai.
Ireland had already won the first two games of the series, with Paul Stirling top-scoring for them with 45. Ireland were all out for 154 in 19.4 overs, losing their last four wickets for just 16 runs. Crishan Kalugamage led Italy’s bowling with 3-28, supported by Grant Stewart and JJ Smuts.
Chasing 155, Italy recovered from 108-5 to win thanks to a 46-run partnership between Stewart (33 off 19 balls) and Marcus Campopiano (8), sealing the victory with three balls to spare.
The matches were part of both sides’ preparations for the T20 World Cup in February, where Italy will face Scotland, England, West Indies, and Nepal, and Ireland will play Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe.
