DUBAI, UAE – With Ireland already leading in the T20I series after two earlier wins, Italy defeated Ireland by 4 wickets in the Game Three.
After losing the toss, Ireland made a watchful start in the third T20I of their historic series against Italy, as both teams looked to continue their build up for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup next month in India and Sri Lanka.
The wicket of Ross Adair in the third over proved an early set back, but Paul Stirling and Harry Tector then put on 44 until Tector was dismissed in the eighth over by Crishan Kalugamage who managed to send back Lorcan Tucker just four deliveries later.
Ben Calitz then picked up the tempo with 22 off 12 until he was dismissed by Jon Jon Smuts, and further wickets looked to slow Ireland’s progress. A fighting partnership of 43 between Gareth Delany and Mark Adair then helped the batting side reach 154 all out with Craig Young the last batter out.
Matthew Humphreys struck in the first over when he removed Justin Mosca. Mark Adair then managed to send back his brother Anthony in the fourth over.
Craig Young struck in his first outing of the series to dismiss Smuts and then George Dockrell bowled Harry Manenti with his left arm spin.
A dangerous partnership between Meade and Stewart developed which was eventually broken by Humphreys in what was a crucial moment of the game.
Adair then sent back Meade to take his 200th wicket across T20 cricket including international, franchise and domestic T20s.
Despite the tight equation, however, Italian batter Grant Stewart managed to carry his side across the line to complete Italy’s first win against a Full Member side.
Ireland continue their preparation for next month’s T20 World Cup with a two-match series against UAE starting on Thursday.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Men v Italy Men, 3rd T20I, Dubai, 26 January 2026
IRELAND 154 (19.4 overs; P Stirling 45, M Adair 25; C Kalugamage 3-28)
ITALY 157-6 (19.3 overs; WL Madsen 39, M Humphreys 2-23; M Adair 2-23)
Italy Men won by 4 wickets
Scorecard here
