Their triumph was further confirmed after Uganda suffered a final-over defeat to Bahrain, leaving Italy four points clear at the top. The result also moved Italy a step closer to their World Cup dream. Along with Uganda, they have qualified for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off, which will determine four places in the main World Cup Qualifier.
Italy strengthened their case for a place in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 after finishing top of Challenge League B with a convincing eight-wicket victory over Tanzania in Dar es Salaam. Italy entered the final matchday with their fate in their own hands and delivered a composed performance to finish their 15-match campaign as league leaders.
Captain Harry Manenti finished the chase with an unbeaten eight. Italy’s qualification for the Play-off represents another significant step in their pursuit of a maiden appearance at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The Play-off will carry ODI status, meaning Italy and Uganda will have the opportunity to play official One-Day Internationals.
The eight-team Qualifier Play-off will feature the top two teams from Challenge League A, the bottom four sides from Cricket World Cup League 2, Italy, and Uganda. Justin was dismissed for 52, but AJ remained unbeaten on 75 off 71 balls. The final line-up of the Qualifier Play-off will be confirmed after the remaining Challenge League and League 2 matches are completed. In League 2, Scotland, USA and the Netherlands have already secured top-four finishes and advanced directly to the Cricket World Cup Qualifier, while Namibia, Canada, Nepal and the UAE currently occupy the bottom four positions.
