Ireland Survive Italian Scare To Win Tense Dubai Opener

The Sevens Stadium in Dubai played host to a slice of cricketing history on January 23, 2026, as Ireland and Italy clashed in the opening match of a three-game T20 International series. This wasn’t just another fixture on the cricketing calendar—Italy, making their maiden appearance against an ICC Full Member in a bilateral series, were out to prove that their recent qualification for the T20 World Cup was no fluke. Ireland, meanwhile, had their sights set firmly on adapting to foreign conditions ahead of the global showpiece in India and Sri Lanka next month.

The build-up to this encounter was loaded with anticipation. Italy had stunned Scotland in the European qualifiers to book their ticket to the T20 World Cup, signaling their intent to shake up the established order. For the Irish, led by the experienced Paul Stirling, this series represented a crucial tune-up, a chance to iron out any kinks before facing the world’s best on the subcontinent.

As the Dubai sun beat down, Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl—a decision that set the stage for a contest full of twists. The Italian batting order featured a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars: JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen (captain), Grant Stewart, Benjamin Manenti, and the promising Anthony Mosca, among others. Their Irish counterparts, captained by Stirling, boasted a blend of power and finesse with Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, and Mark Adair all ready to make an impact.

Italy’s innings got off to a turbulent start. Justin Mosca was dismissed for a duck, but Anthony Mosca and JJ Smuts counterpunched with quickfire knocks—Mosca, in particular, was a revelation, smashing 35 off just 22 balls to give the Italians a fighting chance. Smuts chipped in with 18, and by the end of the powerplay, Italy had matched Ireland’s later effort, reaching 60 for 3 after six overs. For a side making its debut in such a high-stakes setting, it was a spirited beginning.

But as the innings wore on, the Irish bowlers began to assert themselves. Wayne Madsen, Italy’s skipper, managed just 10 from 12 balls before falling, while Harry Manenti tried to steady the ship with a patient 20. Grant Stewart, who had played a pivotal role in Italy’s qualifying campaign, was out for a five-ball duck—an unfortunate turn for the Italians as wickets started tumbling at regular intervals.

By the 12th over, Italy found themselves at 87 for 5, the early momentum fading under the relentless pressure of the Irish attack. Ireland’s bowlers kept their lines tight and their nerves even tighter, chipping away at the Italian lineup. Eventually, Italy were bowled out for 118 in 18.1 overs—a total that represented both a challenge and an opportunity for the Irish batsmen.

The chase began with drama almost immediately. Ireland’s captain Paul Stirling, usually a rock at the top of the order, was dismissed for a two-ball duck. That early setback, coupled with the loss of another wicket inside the first four overs, left Ireland teetering at 22 for 2. Ross Adair and Harry Tector were tasked with steadying the ship, and as the powerplay ended, Ireland were 46 for 2—trailing Italy’s six-over total and facing some unexpected pressure.

Harry Tector, cool as you like, anchored the innings with a composed 40, while Lorcan Tucker provided vital support with 26. The pair rotated the strike smartly and punished the loose deliveries, guiding Ireland to 86 for 2 by the 13th over. It seemed, for a moment, that Ireland would cruise home without further drama.

Italy, however, had other ideas. Grant Stewart, determined to make amends for his earlier batting disappointment, produced a spell that nearly turned the match on its head. In a single over, he conceded just one run and claimed two crucial wickets, finishing with figures of 4-0-21-3. Ireland, who had looked comfortable, suddenly found themselves wobbling at 112 for 7 after 18 overs. The equation was simple: seven runs needed from the final two overs, but with wickets tumbling, nothing was guaranteed.

As the tension built, Barry McCarthy and Benjamin Calitz held their nerve. The pair inched Ireland closer to the target, each run cheered on by the Irish contingent in the stands. With just three balls left in the 20th over, Ireland finally crossed the finish line, reaching 119 for 7 in 19.3 overs and sealing a hard-fought three-wicket victory. The win gave Ireland a 1-0 lead in the series, but not before Italy had shown they could compete with the best.

It was a match full of talking points. For Italy, Anthony Mosca’s 35 off 22 stood out as a beacon of their growing cricketing pedigree. “It has been a very good start for the Italian batters but it has been equally good for the Irish bowlers who have also picked up three wickets within the first six overs,” read a live update, capturing the see-saw nature of the contest. Grant Stewart’s all-round performance—despite his duck with the bat—gave Italy real hope with the ball, while Harry Tector’s steady hand under pressure proved invaluable for Ireland.

For Irish fans, the result was a relief, but also a wake-up call. The team will need to address their middle-order collapses if they are to make a deep run at the T20 World Cup. For Italy, this was more than just a loss—it was a statement that they belong on this stage. Their bowlers, led by Stewart, and batsmen like Mosca and Smuts, showed enough grit and quality to suggest they could cause more upsets in the months ahead.

With two matches left in the series, the stage is set for more fireworks in Dubai. Can Italy bounce back and level things up, or will Ireland tighten their grip and head to the World Cup brimming with confidence? For now, the cricketing world will be watching closely as this unlikely rivalry continues to unfold.