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

Updated: Aug 19, 2026 10:30 IST Dar es Salaam [Tanzania], August 19 (ANI): Italy finished top of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Challenge League Group B with an eight-wicket win over Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday. The team had to secure league honours by the last day of their 15-match campaign across three legs. Italy closed the tournament with a four-point gap over Uganda, who lost to Bahrain in the final over. This was a double success for Italy and Uganda, advancing to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 Qualifier Play-off, an eight-team tournament that includes the top two teams from Challenge League A, and the bottom four finishers from Cricket World Cup League 2. Italy had previously toured Hong Kong and Uganda. Their victory over Uganda early in the final leg opened the door for Italy to make a late charge. Uganda’s defeat to Hong Kong further shifted momentum. Italy won the tour undefeated, showcasing a dominant performance against Tanzania. They lost the toss twice, falling behind early 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. Waduwalage (5/21) took the key wicket of Dhrumit Mehta (39), while Kalugamage (3/28) dismantled Tanzania’s middle order. In reply, Italy’s Justin and AJ Mosca scored half-centuries in a 121-run partnership. Justin fell for 52, but AJ powered to 75 not out from 71 balls, joined by Harry Manenti (8 not out) to reach the target in 26 overs. Italy and Uganda now wait to learn their opponents in the Qualifier Play-off. Jersey and Kuwait hold the top two spots in Challenge League B with one leg remaining. In League 2, Namibia, Canada, Nepal, and United Arab Emirates are in the bottom four, with Oman the only team that could overtake them. Scotland, USA, and Netherlands are guaranteed a top four finish in League 2 and will progress to the Cricket World Cup Qualifier. The Qualifier Play-off will determine the final four spots and carries One Day International status, meaning the teams will play their first official ODIs.