Italy clinched a dramatic 10-run win against Canada in a gripping T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match on Monday at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Canada watched Italy build a challenging 156/4, powered by key partnerships and resolute batting that tested their bowling attack.
Openers Justin and Anthony Mosca provided Italy with a fiery start, racing to 45 in 5.3 overs before both returned to the pavilion with identical scores of 22. Anthony’s knock included three fours off 20 balls, while Justin blasted a six and two boundaries in 17 balls. JJ Smuts then steadied the ship, falling just one short of a half-century with 49 runs from 37 balls, featuring six boundaries. He added 33 with skipper Wayne Madsen (10) and 41 with Harry Manenti (33*), ensuring a defendable total.
Canada’s response was promising but ultimately fell agonizingly short. The opening duo of Yuvraj Singh and Dilpreet Bajwa amassed 55 in the powerplay, with Yuvraj’s 33 off 23 (5×4, 1×6) setting the tone. Bajwa, the captain, pushed on with 37 off 34 (6×4), partnering Navneet Dhaliwal for 30 more to hit 85. Nicholas Kirton’s 33 provided late hope, but the innings closed at 146/6.
Italy’s multi-pronged bowling effort sealed the deal: Thomas Draca, Ali Hassan, Grant Stewart, JJ Smuts, and Ben Manenti all snared a wicket apiece. Canada’s bowlers had earlier struck with one wicket each from Kaleem Sana, Dilpreet Bajwa, Jaskaran Singh, and Saad Bin Zafar. As Italy prepares to face UAE on February 6 in Chennai, this victory underscores their readiness for the T20 World Cup 2026, starting February 7.