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Key Takeaways

1🏆 Italy secured their first-ever victory over a full ICC member nation, defeating Ireland by four wickets in Dubai.
2⭐ Paul Stirling top-scored for Ireland with 45 runs including three sixes, but fell short of his half-century.
3📉 Ireland's innings collapsed dramatically, losing their final four wickets for just 16 runs in two overs.
4🎯 Crishan Kalugamage was the standout bowler with figures of 3-28 for Italy.
5💪 Grant Stewart's all-round performance (2 wickets and 33 runs off 19 balls) proved decisive in Italy's historic win.
6🌍 Both teams are preparing for the T20 World Cup in February, with Italy making their debut appearance in the tournament.

"Ireland suffer a four-wicket defeat by Italy in the final match of the T20 Series between the sides in Dubai but win the series 2-1."

Historic Upset: Italy Stun Ireland With First-Ever Win Over Full ICC Member in T20 World Cup Warm-Up

In a remarkable turn of events at Dubai's Sevens Stadium, Italy achieved a milestone that will be etched in their cricketing history books forever. The associate nation secured their first-ever victory over a full ICC member, defeating Ireland by four wickets in a thrilling T20 World Cup warm-up encounter on Monday.

While Ireland had already clinched the three-match series 2-0 following victories on Friday and Sunday, Italy ensured they would head into the T20 World Cup with their confidence sky-high after this landmark triumph.

Ireland's Batting Effort Falls Short

Ireland's innings was anchored by the experienced Paul Stirling, who fell agonizingly short of a half-century with a well-crafted 45. The explosive opener demonstrated his power-hitting credentials with three towering sixes and two boundaries, providing the foundation Ireland desperately needed.

Middle-order contributions from Mark Adair (25) and Ben Calitz (22) helped Ireland reach a competitive total, but a dramatic collapse in the death overs proved costly. The final four wickets tumbled for just 16 runs across two overs, leaving Ireland all out for 154 with two deliveries remaining in their allocation.

Kalugamage Leads Italian Bowling Attack

Crishan Kalugamage emerged as the star of Italy's bowling performance, returning outstanding figures of 3-28 to dismantle Ireland's batting lineup. Grant Stewart and JJ Smuts provided excellent support with two wickets apiece, ensuring Italy remained in the contest throughout.

Italy's Nervy Chase Ends in Triumph

The Italian run chase was far from straightforward. Wayne Madsen top-scored with a composed 39, but his dismissal left Italy precariously placed at 108-5. When Gian-Piero Meade departed with the score on 111, Italy faced a daunting task: 44 runs required from just 23 deliveries.

Stewart and Campopiano Seal Historic Win

What followed was a match-winning seventh-wicket partnership that will live long in Italian cricket memory. Grant Stewart, showcasing his all-round capabilities after his earlier bowling success, blazed 33 runs from just 19 deliveries. Alongside Marcus Campopiano (8), the pair added an unbroken 46 runs to guide Italy home with three balls to spare.

Matthew Humphreys and Mark Adair toiled admirably for Ireland, both finishing with identical figures of 2-23 from their four overs, but it wasn't enough to prevent history from being made.

Road to T20 World Cup 2026

This warm-up series in the United Arab Emirates has been crucial preparation for both nations ahead of the T20 World Cup in February.

Ireland's World Cup Challenge

Ireland face a demanding Group B schedule, opening their campaign against co-hosts Sri Lanka on 8 February. They will also encounter heavyweights Australia, alongside Oman and Zimbabwe, in what promises to be a fiercely competitive group.

Before the tournament begins, Ireland remain in Dubai for a two-match series against the UAE, with fixtures scheduled for Thursday and Saturday.

Italy's Historic Campaign Awaits

For first-time qualifiers Italy, the World Cup represents the culmination of years of development in Italian cricket. They will begin their campaign against Scotland on 9 February, with England, West Indies, and Nepal also awaiting in Group C.

This victory over Ireland provides the perfect confidence boost as Italy prepare to compete on cricket's biggest stage. While the challenges ahead are significant, this historic win demonstrates that on their day, Italy can compete with established cricketing nations.

Looking Ahead

Italy's triumph serves as a reminder of cricket's growing global footprint and the competitive depth emerging in associate nations. As the T20 World Cup approaches, both teams will look to build on these warm-up encounters, with Ireland seeking to iron out their death-overs struggles and Italy riding the wave of this unprecedented success.

For Italian cricket, 27 January 2026 will forever be remembered as the day they announced themselves on the international stage.