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.

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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. 

Former South Africa all-rounder Jon-Jon “JJ” Smuts has recently found himself at the centre of speculation after reports suggested he could represent Italy in international cricket. While no official confirmation has been made as of December 2025, the possibility has sparked interest across associate cricket circles, given Smuts’ experience and pedigree.

Smuts, 37, last played international cricket for South Africa in 2021. During his time with the Proteas, he featured in six ODIs and 13 T20Is, earning a reputation as an aggressive top-order batter who could also chip in with useful left-arm spin. His most memorable ODI performance came against Australia in 2020, when he scored a fighting 84 in a successful chase, underlining his ability to handle pressure at the highest level.

A stalwart of South African domestic cricket, Smuts enjoyed a long career with teams such as Eastern Province, Warriors and Dolphins, and more recently appeared in franchise tournaments including the SA20. Even in the latter stages of his career, he has remained active in overseas leagues and club cricket, continuing to contribute with both bat and ball.

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Italy may benefit from Smuts’ experience, pending official confirmation

Italy, meanwhile, have been steadily progressing in European cricket. Like several associate nations, they have benefited from experienced players qualifying through ancestry or residency, with Joe Burns being a recent high-profile example. Adding a player of Smuts’ calibre would significantly strengthen Italy’s batting depth and provide leadership to a developing squad as they target qualification pathways linked to the ICC T20 World Cup and beyond.

However, it is important to note that there is currently no verified announcement confirming Smuts’ switch to Italy. While rumours continue to circulate, official sources have yet to validate the move.

If such a transition does materialises, it would reflect the growing global nature of cricket, offering Smuts an opportunity to extend his international journey while helping Italy raise their competitive standards on the world stage.

The former Australia opening batter, Joe Burns, has been replaced as captain and left out of the Italy side for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka. Burns, who played 23 Tests for Australia, was the captain and the leading man of the side’s qualifying campaigns over the last 18 months, culminating in July this year.

Joe Burns led the side to two wins over Scotland and Guernsey in the regional qualifier of Europe, securing a historic first World Cup spot, in what was a heartwarming late-career twist. Now, he faced a massive heartbreak after the Italian Cricket Federation (FCRI) announced Wayne Madsen, the veteran Derbyshire batter, as captain for the ICC event.

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Burns’ Italy stint has been driven by the grief he went under after losing his brother at the start of 2024. He made the move to play for Italy and was eventually appointed captain at the end of the year. He wore the number 85 jersey as a tribute to his late brother.

Italy betray Joe Burns ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The statement from the FRCI didn’t go much beyond the mention of availability and contractual terms as a reason, but the issue is anticipated to go deeper. The board only hinted at those broader issues, stating that the decision has responded to the need to ensure stability, harmony, and continuity for the team.

Burns has been aware of the axe for a while. And Madsen was first announced as the leader in the press release at the end of November, when he was with the team for a training camp in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Burns, meanwhile, wasn’t part of the squad for that camp.

Burns is believed to have repeatedly informed the board that he had accepted their terms and was willing to play. He has played eight T20Is for the country, smashing a century and a fifty, with an average of 45, with a strike rate of around 140. The board also stated that they won’t be commenting on the matter in the future.

Cricket Ireland and the Italian Cricket Federation have jointly announced a three-match bilateral T20 International series set to take place in Dubai in late January 2026. The series will act as crucial preparation for both teams as they gear up for their respective campaigns in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Ireland and Italy have faced each other only once before in a T20I – during the 2023 European Qualifier in Edinburgh, where Ireland secured a tight seven-run win. The sides also met in a non-T20I Twenty20 match in Abu Dhabi back in 2012, which Ireland won by two wickets.

The upcoming fixtures will be historic for Italy, marking their first-ever three-match bilateral series against an ICC Full Member. For Ireland, the games come immediately after the announcement of two additional T20Is against the UAE, forming a full preparatory block in Dubai before the World Cup.

Ireland vs Italy T20I Series Schedule

Following the series, Ireland will also meet the UAE on 29 and 31 January before travelling to Sri Lanka for the World Cup, where they find themselves in Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Oman. Italy, meanwhile, head to India for the tournament and will compete in Group C against England, the West Indies, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Cricket Ireland’s Director of Cricket, Richard Holdsworth, said the series offers ideal match practice in hot conditions after coming out of the Irish winter. Italian federation president Maria Lorena Haz Paz termed the series “historic” and believes it will help raise the profile of Italian cricket as they prepare for their maiden T20 World Cup appearance.

Italy's cricket history is going to have a remarkable turning point in 2026 when they will in no way miss the ICC Men's T20 World Cup for the first time and among the team of that expedition will be Wayne Madsen, an experienced athlete of multiple sports, whose professional life has taken him to several countries and into the very core of European cricket.

Wayne was not only born in South Africa but he is also a right-handed batsman and an occasional right-arm off-spinner that has now become the leg of Italy after qualifying through his genealogy. He has got to his notable height of 5 ft 9 in, he fills up the Azzurri setup with lots of experience, professionalism, and leadership. Madsen, with Italian nationality through descent, made his debut for Italy in 2023 and now is going to lead the team at T20 World Cup their first-ever T20 World Cup.

A Multi-Sport Veteran in Top Form Takes Charge of Italy’s T20 World Cup Campaign

Madsen was a professional field hockey player before and amongst cricketers, he was South Africa's representative at the Hockey World Cup in 2006. His move to the United Kingdom in 2008 not only boosted his cricket career but also changed his life completely as he joined Derbyshire and soon was recognized as one of the most dependable and respected top-order batters in the English county circuit. He later captained Derbyshire and led them to Championship promotion while also receiving several domestic awards.

Madsen is going to the T20 World Cup 2026 with great form: he made 431 runs in the latest T20 Blast at a strike rate of 138, and 198 in his last first-class innings. He will take over the captaincy from Joe Burns and he will be Italy's most experienced and influential personality on the world stage.

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Teams Wayne Madsen Has Played For

• Derbyshire
• Italy
• Peshawar Zalmi 
• Multan Sultans
• Team Abu Dhabi
• London Spirit
• Manchester Originals
• Joburg Super Kings
• Rangpur Riders
• KwaZulu-Natal

Wayne Madsen – Career Stats (All Formats)

Madsen's leadership, adaptability and consistency will be the key factors for Italy in their first T20 World Cup. His extensive experience through different formats, leagues and conditions turns him into the perfect person to lead a fast-developing Italian team at their biggest stage so far.

Joe Burns, the former Australian opening batter and the current captain of the Italian cricket side, has penned down an emotional message after they made it through to their maiden T20 World Cup qualification for the 2026 season in India and Sri Lanka. The Brisbane-born decided to join this side after his brother passed away a couple of years ago. 

The final day of the Europe Qualifiers of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was a roller coaster with Jersey getting knocked out due to the Netherlands chasing their total a bit late. After being restricted to 134/7, Italy needed to hold the Dutch side for at least 15 overs to qualify. Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd got off to a powerful start, but Burns and his army stretched them back.

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“I don’t think words will ever describe my emotions to this team and this country. Sacrifice, dedication, and commitment to a dream - we have walked this path into the unknown together to our first World Cup. Guided by the inspiration of those at home, around the world, or looking down from above. For the ones who have gone before and for generations to come.” Burns expressed during a recent Instagram post after the qualification.

Joe Burns pens down emotional message after Italy’s maiden T20 World Cup qualification

With the bat, Italy kept losing wickets regularly in the first inning. A steady knock by Benjamin Manenti and a late powerful knock by Grant Stewarts pushed them to 134/7. Jersey lost the qualification path despite earning a victory against Scotland, which was their first win against this opposition.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Joe Burns (@joeburns441)

“As many as 15 teams have qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 so far, with the Asia Eastern part will see another three further teams getting the tickets, while two more sides will come from the Africa qualifier to make it through. I hope this team can be a beacon for everyone to connect through family, through sport, and a shared story. May those who walk with us forever be proud. Without them, we never would have dared to dream.” Joe Burns wrote.

It's a huge step for the country towards the future for the growth of the game, despite the lack of infrastructure and the emotions the fans currently have for the sport.

Joe Burns’ cricket journey has taken a remarkable and emotional turn. Once a Test opener for Australia, he is now set to lead Italy in their debut appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, an achievement that goes far beyond sport.

Burns stepped onto the international stage in the 2014 Boxing Day Test at the MCG, a match that will be remembered for many reasons, as MS Dhoni's farewell, KL Rahul's first steps into international cricket, yet for Burns, it marked an uneven start to international cricket. While Rahul prospered from this opportunity, Burns had ups and downs - although he scored four Test centuries in just 23 matches, a lack of consistency and stiff competition saw him fall out of favour with Australia's plans by 2020.

But it was never say never for Burns. In 2024, after the tragedy of his brother Dominic's passing away unexpectedly, Burns decided to represent Italy, the land of his maternal grandparents. His decision to play for Italy was not just about playing cricket; it was about playing as a brother in mourning. He represented Italy wearing jersey number 85, which was the same number Dominic wore to play club cricket, yet also the year he was born. It's a number that not just represented Dominic, but ultimately it was 85 as a tribute.

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Joe Burns Leads Italy to First-Ever T20 World Cup with Heart and Determination

Taking over as Italy’s T20I captain in late 2024, Burns brought structure, belief, and professionalism to a team not expected to go far. In a regional qualifier packed with favourites like Scotland and the Netherlands, Italy needed to hang tough. They did exactly that. In their final group game, they managed to restrict the Netherlands just enough to edge through on net run rate. Burns’ best moment came against Romania, where he hammered an unbeaten 108 off 55 balls, a defining innings in Italy’s fairytale run.

Now, as Italy gets ready to feature in their first-ever global tournament, Burns stands at the centre of a story few saw coming. It’s not just about cricket anymore. It’s about family, love, and honouring the past while building a new future for himself, for Italy, and for the brother who never got to see this dream realized.

Netherlands and Italy have booked their places in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. Netherlands finished at the top of the Europe Regional Final, winning three out of four matches. Italy made it through by a very small margin, beating Jersey on Net Run Rate (NRR).

Netherlands and Italy qualify for 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka

It was a close and exciting Regional Final, with Italy, Netherlands, and Jersey all fighting for a spot. Earlier on Friday, Jersey pulled off a last-ball win against Scotland. It was the first time Jersey had ever beaten Scotland in a T20 match. In the final game, Netherlands needed to beat Italy to qualify. Italy just had to make sure they didn’t lose by a big margin. Italy batted first and scored 134 for seven. Netherlands chased the target in 17 overs to win, but Italy’s better NRR kept them ahead of Jersey in the table.

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The 2026 T20 World Cup will have 20 teams. Hosts India and Sri Lanka are joined by Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, and the United States, who all reached the Super Eights last time. Pakistan, New Zealand, and Ireland qualified thanks to their T20 rankings. Canada also made it by winning the Americas Regional Final in June.

🇮🇹 𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗬 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝟮𝟬 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 🏆

History has been created! The first ever CRICKET World Cup qualification for Italy it is! 💥

The Manenti brothers, Emilio Gay, Joe Burns and co. have brought a new spring to the cricketing generation of the… pic.twitter.com/sHCGiuO3At

— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) July 11, 2025

T20 World Cup 2026 Europe Qualifier table 

Italy is on the verge of qualifying for the upcoming ICC T20I World Cup after a historic win over Scotland. In their last match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, 2025, they'll be facing the Netherlands, another high-profile team of the groups. For both Italy and the Netherlands, tomorrow's game will be a must-win encounter, where Italy will start the match as the favorite to win. The Italian cricket team proved their mettle by winning against Scotland; it was a neck-and-neck match, where both teams had an equalshare to win it. Italy managed to hold their nerves strong and delivered the required performance to grab an all-important win.

In terms of the points table, Italy, after playing 3 matches, is currently at the top of the points table with 5 points. And the Netherlands, with the same number of matches, has 4 points, and they are the second-place holder of the ladder. The boys in orange will have a chance to claim the first spot of the table. 

Match Details 

Series: ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, 2025

Match: Match 10

Venue: Voorburg Cricket Club, The Hague

Date and Time: Friday, 11th July, 19:30

Umpires: Russell Warren (ENG), Roland Black (IRE), and Aidan Seaver (IRE)

Referee: Denavon Hayles (WI)

ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, 2025, Italy vs Netherlands, Live Streaming: icc.tv

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Squads:

Netherlands' squad: Anthony Mosca, Emilio Gay, Joe Burns (c), Justin Mosca, Zain Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Bilal Khan, Grant Stewart, Harry Manenti, Gian-Piero Meade (wk), Marcus Campopiano (wk), Crishan Kalugamage, Damith Kosala, Jaspreet Singh, Thomas Draca, and Zain Ali. 

Italy's squad: Anthony Mosca, Emilio Gay, Joe Burns (c), Justin Mosca, Zain Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Bilal Khan, Grant Stewart, Harry Manenti, Gian-Piero Meade (wk), Marcus Campopiano (wk), Crishan Kalugamage, Damith Kosala, Jaspreet Singh, Thomas Draca, and Zain Ali.

Italy on the Verge of T20 World Cup History After Stunning Win Over Scotland

The Italy men’s cricket team is just one step away from making history. On Wednesday (July 9), they pulled off a thrilling 12-run win against Scotland at The Hague in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier 2025. With this victory, Italy have moved closer than ever to qualifying for their first-ever T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka in early 2026.

After three matches, Italy now sit on top of the points table with five points. Their final group game is on Friday (July 11) against hosts Netherlands at Sportpark Westvliet. If they win, they will seal their place in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Even if they lose, all hope isn’t lost. They’ll still have a chance to qualify provided they stay ahead of Scotland and Jersey on the points table. Right now, both Scotland and Jersey have 3 points each and will face off on Friday. Only one can reach 5 points, but Italy have a stronger net run rate, giving them an edge.

🚨 ITALY STUNS SCOTLAND IN THE T20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS. 🚨

- Italy can play the 2026 T20 WC. 🤯pic.twitter.com/t0PrGoSDj2

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 9, 2025

Captain Joe Burns, a former Australian Test opener who now leads Italy, called the moment “very surreal.” The 35-year-old said the team is proud but knows there’s still work to do. “We can’t celebrate too hard just yet,” Burns said, “but to beat a quality side like Scotland is a huge reward for everyone who’s worked so hard behind the scenes.”

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He added, “This could be just the beginning. The team is full of emotions right now we’re so close to the World Cup, it’s hard to believe.” The 2024 T20 World Cup saw first-time appearances from teams like USA, Canada, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and Nepal. USA even pulled off a shock win over Pakistan. Now, Italy are hoping to be the next underdog story at the 2026 edition.