Italy vs Canada: Italy achieved a historic win before their first-ever appearance in the T20 World Cup 2026, narrowly beating Canada by 10 runs in a warm-up match conducted in Chennai. A balanced display of JJ Smuts and an important unbeaten knock by Harry Manenti made the difference in the contest between Italy and Canada.
JJ Smuts Stars with Bat and Ball
A match-winning performance came from former South Africa all-rounder JJ Smuts, who top-scored for Italy with 49 runs. He later contributed with a vital wicket. Smuts held the innings together at a crucial stage and made sure that Italy had a respectable total on the board.
Strong Opening Stand Sets the Platform
The Italian team began their innings on a strong footing thanks to the contributions of brothers Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca, who contributed 45 runs to the total for the first wicket. Although the openers lost their wickets quickly, both of them scoring 22 runs, they had set the platform.
Manenti Brothers Finish Strong as Italy Reach 156/4
But after the initial wickets, Smuts stabilized the innings with contributions from Harry Manenti. The duo added 41 runs to the fourth wicket, with Smuts hitting five fours and a six before just one run was left to complete a half-century in the 17th over.
The final touches were put by the Manenti brothers, Harry and Ben, as they took Italy beyond the 150-run mark. Italy finally ended their innings at 156/4 in 20 overs, with Harry Manenti remaining unbeaten on 33 off 24 balls.
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Canada’s Chase Starts Steadily but Loses Momentum
Canada takes off strong with a solid first wicket partnership of 55 from Yuvraj Samra and captain Dilpreet Bajwa, Samra’s good form continued as he made 33 runs in 23 balls, hitting 5 fours and 1 six, until Smuts dismissed him in the 7th over.
Italian Bowlers Apply Consistent Pressure
During the middle overs, the Italian bowlers maintained complete control as they continuously prevented Canada from building any type of momentum. Wickets fell at a furious pace between Bajwa, Navnet Dhaliwal and Harsh Thaker all falliNavnet Dhaliwalng in just a 3.1 over span as a result, Canada found themselves in extreme difficulty at 105-4 from 14.4 overs.
Nicholas Kirton tried to salvage Canada’s innings with a fighting 33 runs off his bat and three 4s however, the target was too much for Canada, as they finished up with only 146 runs on the board after 20 overs. Canada lost by 10 runs.
Italy’s Victorious Bowling Performance was well-balanced
Italy’s bowling performance was characterized by balance and control with five different bowlers each taking one wicket with Ali Hasan and Ben Manenti demonstrating outstanding bowling by giving up less than six runs per over.
Italy vs Canada – Highlight Recommendations
Italy is able to gain their confidence heading into the first T20 World Cup.
JJ Smuts continues to shine in all-around capacity.
Harry Manenti has demonstrated that he is a consistent hitter.
Disciplined Bowling by Italy was the key to the victory against Canada.
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