Italy Qualify for Cricket World Cup 2027 Play-Off

Dar es Salaam [Tanzania], August 19 (ANI): Italy secured top spot in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League Group B after defeating Tanzania by eight wickets in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday. This win ensured their place at the end of a 15-match campaign across three legs, finishing four points ahead of Uganda, who lost to Bahrain in their final match.

Italy and Uganda advance together toward the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, joining an eight-team Qualifier Play-Off later this year. This tournament will include the top two teams from Challenge League A and the bottom four from Cricket World Cup League 2.

After visiting Hong Kong and Uganda earlier in the cycle, Italy traveled to Tanzania with five matchdays remaining. Their victory over Uganda early in the final leg set them on course for a strong finish, which was sealed by their dominant performance against Tanzania.

Despite losing the toss again, Italy bounced back from an initial deficit. Tanzania reached 87/1 within 15 overs but fell short, ending at 142 all out. Italy’s spin trio—Rakibul Hasan, Akash Waduwalage, and Crishan Kalugamage—took all ten wickets for just 87 runs. Waduwalage (5/21) was key, dismissing Tanzania’s top scorer Dhrumit Mehta (39), while Kalugamage (3/28) also made significant contributions.

In response, Italy’s Justin and AJ Mosca scored half-centuries in a 121-run partnership. Justin fell for 52, but AJ reached 75 not out, leading Italy to the target in just 26 overs with Harry Manenti (8 not out) supporting him.

Italy now waits to learn their opponents in the Qualifier Play-Off, which will determine the final four teams for the World Cup. The match carries One Day International status, marking Italy’s debut in official ODIs.