- Home team defeat Romania convincingly by 160 runs in Sunday’s knockout finale to clinch Europe Sub Regional Qualifier A
- The event marked the first step in the qualification pathway through to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka
Italy prevailed in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier A thanks to a 160-run victory over fellow finalists Romania in Rome on Sunday.
The event, which marked the first qualification pathway event on the road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, saw the home side win convincingly at the Simar Cricket Ground to book their spot at the next stage of qualification – next year’s Europe Qualifier.
The winner-takes-all showdown pitted two undefeated teams against each other – Italy having overcome Luxembourg, France, Isle of Man and Türkiye, while Romania had defeated Austria, Portugal, Hungary and Israel in the earlier group stage.
Sunday’s contest was dominated by a scintillating display from Italy’s batters, with openers Justin Mosca and Joe Burns providing the fireworks in a century opening partnership which included an explosive 108 not out in 55 balls by Burns.
After being put in to bat, the pair laid the platform for Italy to post a mammoth 244 for four in their 20 overs, the highest team score of the competition against an impressive Romanian attack that had bowled out three of its four opponents in their run to the final match.
In response, Romania had started brightly with a 49-run opening stand, however the wicket of opener Taranjeet Singh by seamer Harry Manenti triggered a brisk collapse of the chase, with all ten wickets falling in the space of 35 runs as the visitors were dismissed all out for 84.
Among the stars of the Italian bowling attack were Crishan Kalugamage, the spinner taking three wickets for 12 from his four overs and pacer Tom Draca, who claimed two for 17.
The commanding victory sees Italy progress to next year’s Europe Qualifier, where qualification to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka will be at stake.
Speaking after their victory, Italy captain Gareth Berg said: “We’re delighted to have got through this event undefeated. The whole squad has played their part and contributed when it mattered.
“This is just the start of the journey for us. We’ve got huge aspirations as a team and qualifying for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is our ultimate goal. We need to work hard and keep improving but we have the quality within the group to do so, and we’re already looking forward to the Europe Qualifier next year.”
