T20 World Cup 2026 qualifier: Italy stuns Scotland to move closer to qualification
With the win, Italy temporarily leads the points table with two wins and a no result in its three games so far, two ahead of Jersey and Scotland.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, opener Emilio Gay scored a 21-ball half-century with able support from Harry Manenti (38 from 38 balls) and a late cameo from Grant Stewart (44 from 27 balls).
Opener George Munsey's 61-ball 72 set Scotland on its way in the chase of 168, but Manenti's five-wicket haul restricted Richie Berrington's side to 155 for five at the end of its 20 overs.
Italy, led by former Australian Test opener Joe Burns, will take on the Netherlands in its final group game on July 11. The Italians can seal their place in the 2026 World Cup with a win in its final game. If the team fails to add any more points to its tally, its progress will come down to Net Run Rate, with Jersey and Scotland taking on each other in their final game.
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