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Italy Inch Closer To T20 World Cup Qualification After Scotland Win; Here's How They Can Qualify

Abhinav Tyagi

Italy Beat Scotland - (Source : @Johns/X.com)Italy Beat Scotland - (Source : @Johns/X.com)

On Wednesday, July 9, Italy scripted history as the Joe Burns-led side beat the mighty Scotland to go on top of the table of the T20 World Cup 2026 Europe Qualifier finals. Italy, who are ranked 32nd, have now inched closer to T20 World Cup 2026 qualification. 

It is the biggest day in Italy's history as they beat Scotland, who are ranked 13th in the ICC rankings and now eye their maiden T20 World Cup participation.

Italy Stuns Scotland

In the recently concluded match, Italy, batting first, put 167/7 on the board, courtesy of Emilio Gay, who slammed a 21-ball fifty. In reply, Scotland only managed to score 155/5 as Harry Manenti took a five-wicket haul that helped his side win by 12 runs. 

Notably, the Joe Burns-led side are on top of the table with two wins in three matches. Notably, Italy have 5 points in 3 matches and have two wins, which came against Scotland and Guernsey. One match against Jersey was washed out. 

The Azurri now have just a solitary game left in the competition, which too against the Netherlands on July 11 at 7:30 pm. 

How Can Italy Qualify For the T20 World Cup 2026?

Italy are currently placed on top of the table with 5 points in three matches. With a win over the Netherlands, the Joe Burns-led side will qualify for the prestigious T20 tournament.

In case Italy lose their last match of the tournament, then too they can qualify. Notably, Scotland are placed third on the table with just 3 points in three matches. Richard Berrington need to beat Jersey by a big margin to surpass Italy in the net run-rate. 

However, if Scotland fails to beat Jersey by a big margin, then the Joe Burns-led side will also qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026. Further, the Netherlands also have two games in their hand, and if they lose one of their remaining games, then Italy will also qualify.

Italy A Rich Footballing Country

Notably, Italy have a rich history in football, where they have the second-most World Cup titles (4). The Azurri have produced legends like Andre Pirlo, Pablo Maldini, Alexender Del Piero and Buffon. However, it will be the first time in cricketing history that Italy will play in a World Cup.

However, it has been 19 years since the Azurri won their last Fifa World Cup title.