Italy, who are making their debut in the Group C match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, invited Scotland to bat first after winning the toss at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Batting first, Scotland scored 207 runs losing four wickets in 20 overs. Italy has to score 208 runs to win in its debut match.
scotland innings
Scotland had an excellent start. George Munsey and Michael Jones made a partnership of 126 runs for the first wicket. Munsey missed the century. He was out after scoring 84 runs in 54 balls with the help of 13 fours and two sixes. He was caught by Grant Stewart at the hands of Harry. After this, Michael Jones was sent to the pavilion by JJ Smuts. He could score 37 runs in 30 balls with the help of one four and two sixes. Captain Richie Berrington could score 15 runs in 11 balls and Tom Bruce could score one run. In the end, Brandon McMullen scored 41 runs with the help of four sixes in 18 balls and Michael Leask played an unbeaten stormy inning of 22 runs with the help of two fours and two sixes in five balls. For Italy, Ali Hasan, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draka and JJ Smits took one wicket each. Even though there is not a long history between the two teams, the previous encounters have made this match special. Both the teams have faced each other twice in T20 Internationals and the head-to-head record is equal to 1-1. The special thing is that these matches have taken place in ICC events, which makes the competition more interesting.
Recent form is also on par
Both teams have registered three wins each in their last five T20 matches. Scotland started with two wins, but then suffered three consecutive defeats. Whereas Italy started with a win, lost three matches and then came back and won in their last match.
Italy has a psychological edge
Italy is a new team in this World Cup, but they do not lack confidence. Nine months ago, it had created history by defeating Scotland by 12 runs in the T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. Apart from this, the team also performed brilliantly in the practice matches against Canada and UAE in Chennai.
What did the captains say?
After winning the toss, Italy captain Wayne Madsen said, ‘The pitch looks very good, it can be difficult to defend the score here. This moment is special for us. We have to leave our mark while enjoying the game. On the other hand, Scotland captain Richie Berrington said, ‘We are happy to bat first. Hopefully we will make a good score. The positive things learned from the last match will be useful here. Italy is a good team, it will be a tough match. There is a change in the team, Brad Wheal has come in place of Sharif.
Playing-11 of both the teams
Italy: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smits, Wayne Madsen (c), Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Mead (wk), Marcus Campopiano, Krishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan.
Scotland: George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (c), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (wk), Mark Watt, Michael Lisk, Oliver Davidson, Brad Wheal, Brad Currie.
