Italy further Cricket World Cup 2027 ambitions, qualify for Qualifier Play-Off

Italy finished top of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Challenge League Group B after an eight-wicket win over Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on August 19. The tournament concluded with a four-point gap over Uganda, who advanced alongside Italy to the Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off later this year. Italy’s victory over Uganda in the final leg allowed them to secure a late charge, with Uganda’s defeat to Hong Kong furthering their momentum. Italy won the match with a dominant performance, losing the toss but recovering to score 142 all out after Tanzania scored 87/1 in 15 overs. Spin bowlers Rakibul Hasan, Akash Waduwalage, and Crishan Kalugamage took all ten wickets for just 87 runs. In reply, brothers Justin and AJ Mosca scored half-centuries in a 121-run partnership, with AJ Mosca finishing on 75 not out, helping Italy reach the target in 26 overs. Meanwhile, Jersey and Kuwait lead Challenge League A, while Namibia, Canada, Nepal, and United Arab Emirates are among the bottom four in League 2. The Qualifier Play-off, which includes the top two from Challenge League A and the bottom four from League 2, will determine the final four spots for the Cricket World Cup 2027. The event carries ODI status, marking Italy and Uganda’s first official international matches.