Italy vs Ireland: Italy clinches thrilling four-wicket Win in T20I

DUBLIN: Italy vs Ireland produced a gripping finish in the T20 International as Italy clinched a thrilling four-wicket victory with just three balls to spare, successfully chasing a target of 154 in a dramatic contest.

Batting first, Ireland vs Italy saw the home side take early control, reaching 154-6 in 19.4 overs after being well placed at 154-4 late in the innings. Wayne Madsen anchored Ireland’s effort, playing two key roles across the innings, first with a brisk 22 off 16 balls during the middle overs and later top-scoring with a composed 39 off 30 deliveries. Gian-Piero Maeda added 22, but Ireland struggled to accelerate at the death, losing wickets at crucial stages. Extras contributed 12 runs, keeping the total competitive.

At one stage in the Ireland vs Italy clash, the hosts appeared firmly in control, with Italy requiring 85 runs from 60 balls and Ireland holding a 66 per cent win probability. Ireland’s bowlers tightened the screws early in the chase, with Matthew Humphreys (3-0-16-1) and Mark Adair (2-0-9-1) leading a disciplined attack, while Barry McCarthy provided timely pressure.

Italy’s chase began shakily in the Ireland vs Italy encounter. J Mosca was dismissed for a duck in the opening over, A Mosca departed after scoring 11, and captain JJ Smuts top-scored with 14 but failed to stabilise the innings. H Manenti fell for 4, leaving Italy facing a required run rate of 8.50 as wickets continued to fall.

Despite the mounting pressure, Italy’s middle order responded. Grant Stewart emerged as the difference-maker, producing a match-winning unbeaten 33 off 19 balls to guide Italy to 157-6 in 19.3 overs. His calm finishing ensured the visitors crossed the line with three balls remaining, completing a remarkable turnaround.

For Ireland, Humphreys and Adair finished with two wickets each, while George Dockrell chipped in with one. McCarthy went wicketless but maintained a tight economy rate throughout his spell.

Italy’s victory highlights their growing confidence and competitiveness on the international stage, edging past Ireland in a nail-biting finish to secure a 2-1 series win. Italy had earlier won the toss and elected to bowl first at The Sevens Stadium, a decision that ultimately paid off in a memorable T20 encounter.