Stewart’s stunning finish seals Italy’s place in cricket history
Italy pulled off a landmark upset in the final T20I of their three-match series against Ireland in Dubai, chasing down 155 to register their first-ever win over a full ICC member. Ranked 28th in the T20I standings, Italy had already lost the series after two close defeats, but their dramatic four-wicket win in the third match has now sent ripples through the cricketing world just days before the T20 World Cup.
Grant Stewart’s blistering cameo proved the difference. With 16 runs needed off the final over, Stewart launched Barry McCarthy for three consecutive sixes, completing a nerveless chase with three balls to spare. His unbeaten 33 off just 19 balls included five boundaries and crowned a remarkable late turnaround for the Italian side.
Ireland collapse despite Stirling’s start
Earlier, Ireland won the toss and elected to bat first, with captain Paul Stirling leading from the front. His 45 off 38 balls, including three sixes and two fours, laid a promising foundation. Support came from Ben Calitz (22 off 12) and Mark Adair (25 off 21), but the innings faltered late.
From a relatively strong position, Ireland lost their final four wickets for just 16 runs, folding for 154 in 19.4 overs. Italy’s bowling attack kept the pressure on throughout, with Crishan Kalugamage starring with figures of 3 for 28. Stewart and JJ Smuts chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring Ireland couldn’t fully capitalise on their start.
Italy’s chase stumbles, then surges
The Italian run chase began on shaky ground as they lost their first wicket in the opening over. Wayne Madsen steadied the innings with a composed 39 off 30 balls, while Gian-Piero Meade added 22 off 19. Their dismissals, however, left Italy at 111-6, needing 44 runs from the final 23 balls.
What followed was a tense but calculated counterattack. Stewart found a key ally in Marcus Campopiano (8 not out), and together they nudged Italy closer. Mark Adair’s penultimate over leaked 14 runs, setting the stage for Stewart’s match-winning blitz in the 20th.
A morale-boosting result before World Cup debut
Although the series ended 2-1 in Ireland’s favour, the result in the final game offers Italy a significant psychological edge heading into the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. It also marked their 25th T20I win, but more importantly, their first against a Test-playing nation.
This historic moment arrives just before Italy’s World Cup debut. Placed in Group C, the Azzurri are set to face some of the game’s strongest sides, including England and the West Indies. Their campaign begins on February 9 against Scotland at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, followed by matches against Nepal, England, and West Indies in a tightly packed group stage.
Ireland regroup as World Cup looms
For Ireland, the shock defeat is a timely wake-up call. Having dominated the first two matches, they now turn their attention to a warm-up clash against Pakistan as part of their final preparations. Meanwhile, Italy will face the United Arab Emirates in their next warm-up fixture. Drawn in Group B, Ireland will compete against Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman, beginning their T20 World Cup campaign on February 8.
As the T20 World Cup draws near, Italy’s win offers a reminder that no team can be underestimated—and that even the underdogs can script unforgettable moments.
