Italy on verge of T20 World Cup after stunning Scotland
Italy took a major step towards qualifying for the T20 World Cup for the first time with a surprise 12-run victory over Scotland in the Netherlands.The win takes the Italians to the top of the five-strong Europe Regional Final group table, with the Scots sitting third behind Jersey after three games each and the hosts in fourth with a match in hand.Having won the toss in Voorburg, Italy set a total of 167-6 after their 20 overs and, although George Munsey struck an impressive 72, Harry Manenti took all five wickets as the Scots fell short on 155.Italy, currently ranked 32 in the world, first competed in T20 World Cup qualifying in 2019 and have finished third on all three occasions since.
The Italians face the 15th-ranked Dutch, who will be favourites to defeat winless Guernsey later on Wednesday, in their final game Friday.Earlier on the same day, Scotland take on Jersey in what is now a must-win game for either to have a chance of qualifying as one of the top two finishers.Scotland's hopes had been delivered a blow without a ball being struck when their opening game against Guernsey was called off by rain, but they then defeated the Dutch by six runs on Tuesday.But Italy opener Emilio Gay and Grant Stewart helped Italy post a competitive total, with significant contributions at either end of their innings, against the side 29 places above them in the rankings after they elected to bat.Gay's 50, which included two sixes and six fours, came from just 21 balls, while Stewart finished unbeaten on 44 having hit three sixes and two fours in his 27-ball stay at the crease to help his side reaches 167 for six from their full allocation.In reply, the Scots looked to be on their way when opener Munsey and captain Richie Berrington put on 105 for the third wicket before Munsey fell with 16 balls remaining.However, they were only able to reach 155 for five with Berrington, who plundered three maximums, finishing unbeaten on 46 as Manenti, who had earlier scored a run-a-ball 38 with the bat, took all five wickets for 31 runs.
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