At a time when their football team is struggling to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, the cricket team has pulled off a surprise by making it to their first ICC T20 World Cup. Former Australian Test opener Joe Burns captained the team en route to the World Cup, but was dropped from the team leading up to the tournament. The Italian cricket association cited “availability” and “contractual terms” as the reason.
Regardless, the team, now led by Wayne Madsen, goes into the tournament with nothing to lose, and on the back of a historic win against Ireland.
Squad
Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca
Fixtures
February 9: Italy vs Scotland, Kolkata
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February 12: Italy vs Nepal, Mumbai
February 16: Italy vs England, Kolkata
February 19: Italy vs West Indies, Kolkata
Probable starting XI
Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Crishan Jorge, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca
Key players
Wayne Madsen
The South Africa-born batter, once a mainstay at Derbyshire, got a second chance at an international career at 39 when he joined Italy. Now their captain, and the rock at the top of the order, Madsen will have to be at his consistent best for Italy to have a good showing.
JJ Smuts
The former South Africa international brings valuable experience to the side. He has more than 5,000 runs in T20s, but has not had a big score in a while. His slow left-arm spin can come in handy.
Grant Stewart
The fast-bowling all-rounder, who also plays for Kent, got the most wickets for Italy in the series against Ireland recently. He also scored 33 off 19 at the death—including three consecutive sixes—to give Italy a memorable win against Ireland last week.
Tournament prediction
They might have a chance against Scotland, whom they beat last year, but alien conditions and lack of overall international experience could see them go winless, too. Realistically, they are unlikely to progress from their group.
