Italians test unbeaten Ireland in final game

As the T20 World Cup European Qualifiers drew to a close, it was just Ireland to face Italy to conclude the tournament. With Ireland comfortably through to the global qualifiers in Nepal, now was a time for experimentation, time in the middle and match experience.

On this note, captain Gaby Lewis and all-rounder Orla Prendergast who have been ever present in the competition were rotated.

Head Coach Lloyd Tennant also switched up the batting order enabling bowler Ava Canning opening the batting alongside a reliable Amy Hunter. In Canning 40 IT20 matches for Ireland she’s only batted in 12 of them; seven of them she’s scored runs in. Departing prematurely, just 4 from 8, it was not the ideal outcome but it was a useful approach with a competitive qualifier in mind.

A player who utilised her opportunity with the bat was Laura Delany. Having left the field injured yesterday, Delany, who usually bats in the middle order, came in at three at struck 91 from 57 with ease. Hunter’s measured 62 boosted Ireland to reach 175/6, Italy’s bowling figures slightly skewed.

Footballers from the adjacent field piled into the upstairs balcony area as Ireland looked to finish their tournament undefeated. In a slightly different fashion to Ireland, Italy opted to change around their order. In this case it was promoting Chloe Piparo up the order who ended up forming a key partnership with Annie Wikman. The pair have often been the backbone of Italy’s batting line up and their demonstration of the shots at their disposal showed the level they can operate at.

After eight overs, Italy were ahead where Ireland had been, looking fearsome with the bat and really punishing some of the Irish bowlers. The energy from the Italian camp matched the masterclass the pair were putting on between the stumps. Annie Wikman’s half century was in vain as a breakthrough for Ireland caused a slump for Italy.

Freya Sargent took 3/38 with Lara McBride and Alana Dalzell taking 2-fer, preventing the Italians causing any more damage with the bat. Emma Moore was unable to bat due to injury ending the energy fuelled match anticlimactically, Ireland winning by 33 runs.