While the two sides do not have a long history in T20 internationals, their recent encounters have produced mixed results. Scotland and Italy have met twice in T20 Internationals, with their head-to-head record tied at 1–1. Their meetings took place in high-profile ICC events, adding further significance to their rivalry.
Both the teams have won a total of three of the previous five T20I matches. Scotland started their recent run with two straight wins before suffering three straight defeats, while Italy opened with a win, suffered three losses and then bounced back with a win in their last outing.
Italy is the latest team to join the World Cup and brings with it momentum. Nine months ago, they defeated today’s opponents in the T20 World Cup European qualifiers to secure a historic 12-run win. They also recorded strong warm-up wins against Canada and the United Arab Emirates in Chennai.
Italy captain Wayne Madsen, who won the toss, said: “It looks really good, I think it will be difficult to defend. The moment is now for us. It’s about enjoying and expressing ourselves. We want to push through.”
Meanwhile, Scotland captain Richie Berrington said: “Quite happy with it (batting), hopefully we put a good total on the board. We can take the positives (from the last game) into it. (On Italy) They’re really good games, expect it to be a good game. Just one change. Brad Wheal comes in for Sharif.”
Playing XI:
Italy: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ SMUTS, WANNE MADSEN (C), Harry Manentti, Ben Manentti, Grant Stawart, Gian-Piero Meade (WK), Marcus Campopiano, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hassan
Scotland: George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (c), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (wk), Mark Watt, Michael Leask, Oliver Davidson, Brad Wheal, Brad Currie