Italy create history by defeating Ireland before ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

While the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is less than two weeks away from beginning, Italy created history after beating Ireland in the dramatic third and last game of the T20I series. 

On Monday (January 26), Italy chose to field first after winning the toss at Dubai. While Ireland scored 154 all out in 19.4 overs, Italy chased down the target in 19.3 overs after six wickets, as they ended the game with three consecutive sixes. It was Italy's first international victory against any ICC Full Member (Test-playing nations). However, Ireland already secured the series by winning the first two games by three wickets and 24 runs, and won the series 2-1.

See Also: New entrant Scotland announce their 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Paul Stirling and late batting guided Ireland to 150+

In Ireland's innings, captain and opener Paul Stirling scored a crucial 45 runs off 38 balls with two fours and three sixes, but most of their batters failed to score 20s. Only two middle-order batters managed 20+ scores, who were Ben Calitz (22) and Mark Adair (25). 

Among the Italian bowlers, Crishan Kalugamage (3/28) picked up three wickets, while former South African JJ Smuts (2/18) and Grant Stewart (2/27) got two wickets each. 

Grant Stewart finished match with three consecutive sixes

In reply, Italy were losing wickets at regular intervals, but some crucial knocks from the middle orders helped them to create history just before the T20 World Cup. Wayne Madsen (39), Grant Stewart (33 not out off 19 balls with one four and four sixes), and Gian-Piero Meade (22) managed the 20-run mark in the chase. 

The 46-run unbroken partnership between Grant Stewart and Marcus Campopiano (8 not out) for the seventh wicket successfully finished the game for Italy. In the final over, Italy needed 16 runs, where Grant smashed three successive sixes to Barry McCarthy to stun the cricket world. 

Among the Irish bowlers, Matthew Humphreys (2/23) and Mark Adair (2/23) got two wickets each, but they just failed to save the match.