Ireland beat Italy in historic T20 warm-up

Warm-up for the T20 World Cup between Ireland and Italy

Italy 118 (18.1 overs): A Mosca 35, M Humphreys 4-16, B McCarthy 2-14

Ireland 119-7 (19.3 overs): H Tector 41, L Tucker 34, G Stewart 3-21

Three wickets separated Ireland.

In their first of three T20 internationals, Italy defeated Ireland 4-16 under the guidance of Matthew Humphreys.

With three balls and three wickets left, Ireland made their target despite Italy’s 118.

Italy’s men were called up after Ireland won the toss to play their first T20 match against an ICC full member nation in Dubai.

Before losing captain JJ Smuts, who was bowled by Barry McCarthy, Italy made an impressive start, winning 55-1 in 5.3 overs.

Anthony Mosca was Italy’s top scorer when Humphreys’ seventh over-due 35-ball effort was over.

In addition, Mark Adair claimed the final wicket of Crishan Kalugamage as Italy were bowled out in 18.1 overs while Grant Stewart, Marcus Campopiano, and Jaspreet Singh were all dismissed by the left-arm spinner from consecutive balls in the 15th over.

Ireland were strong in their reply despite losing opener Paul Stirling to a second-ball duck and Ross Adair for 12. Harry Tector’s 41 and 34 from Lorcan Tucker put them in good shape.

Ben Calitz and McCarthy helped Ireland get past the line, but George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, and Mark Adair all suffered minor injuries.

The United Arab Emirates’ three-game series, which is part of both teams’ preparation for the T20 Cricket World Cup in February, will continue on Sunday.

In Group B, Ireland will face Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe, while Ireland will host them in their opening match of the World Cup on February 8.