Italy Women held their nerve in a tense chase to edge past Vanuatu Women in a closely fought encounter at the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026, producing a composed finish in the final over to seal victory with just three balls to spare. It was a game that ebbed and flowed, shaped by crucial partnerships, timely breakthroughs, and one standout innings that ultimately made the difference.
Vanuatu Women’s innings began with a steady but cautious approach, as Rachel Andrew and Valenta Langiatu looked to build a foundation. The pair added 37 runs for the opening wicket, rotating strike effectively before Andrew was run out for 14 off 16 balls, a moment that briefly shifted momentum. Langiatu continued positively, striking a boundary and a six in her 20 off 25 deliveries, but her dismissal at 47/2 in the 7.6 overs gave Italy an opening. Nasimana Navaika then anchored the innings with a determined 36 off 39 balls, stitching together a crucial 32-run stand with Selina Solman. However, Italy’s bowlers ensured that partnerships never fully blossomed into match-defining ones.
Solman fell for 5, and soon after, Navaika departed at 93/4 in the 16.1 over, halting Vanuatu’s progress just as they looked to accelerate. Susan Stephen (9 off 14) and Gillian Chilia (3 off 5) couldn’t provide the late flourish, with both falling in quick succession. A small but valuable unbeaten contribution from Vanessa Vira (10* off 8) and Alvina Chilia (5* off 6) pushed the total to 114/6 in 20 overs. Italy’s bowling effort was disciplined throughout, with Chathurika Mahamalage leading the attack with 1/15 in 4 overs, maintaining excellent control. Pasindi Kanankege and Kumudu Peddrick chipped in with a wicket each, while Ilenia Sims kept things tight despite going wicketless. The fielding unit also contributed with two crucial runouts, reflecting a sharp all-round performance.
Chasing 115, Italy Women endured an early wobble as they lost Alexia Kontopirakis for a duck and Methnara Rathnayake cheaply, slipping to 8/2 inside three overs. Vanessa Vira struck twice early, setting the tone for Vanuatu’s defence. However, what followed was the defining phase of the match, a calm and composed partnership between Ilenia Sims and Emilia Bartram. The duo rebuilt the innings with patience, adding 54 runs for the third wicket. Sims, in particular, looked in complete control, pacing her innings beautifully and finding boundaries at key moments.
Bartram contributed a handy 16 before being run out at 62/3, and soon after, quick wickets of Chathurika Mahamalage and Emma Moore, both run-outs, left Italy at 79/5, bringing Vanuatu right back into the contest. Kumudu Peddrick added a valuable 10, but her dismissal at 95/6 in the 17.5 over meant Italy still needed 20 runs off the final 13 balls.
Under pressure, Sims held her composure brilliantly. Supported by Himanshi Daluwatta (6* off 4), she guided Italy home with smart strike rotation and timely hitting. Sims finished unbeaten on a match-winning 61 off 51 balls, an innings marked by resilience and maturity, ensuring Italy reached 115/6 in 19.3 overs.
Vanuatu’s bowlers fought hard to defend the total, with Vanessa Vira standing out with 2/13 in 4 overs, delivering a superb spell upfront. Rachel Andrew also picked up a wicket despite being slightly expensive, while the rest of the attack, including Selina Solman and Nasimana Navaika, kept things competitive without being able to break the crucial partnerships at the right time.
Loves all things female cricket