Italy Women produced a spirited performance to register a thrilling 8-run victory over Vanuatu Women via the DLS method in the 16th Match of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in Rwanda. In a contest that saw momentum swinging both ways, Vanuatu Women looked in control after posting a competitive 153/2 in their 20 overs, but Italy Women’s aggressive start and the brilliance of captain Emilia Bartram turned the chase into a tense and memorable finish before rain intervention sealed the result in Italy’s favour.
Vanuatu Women began their innings with intent as Valenta Langiatu and Susan Stephen walked out looking to set the tone early. Langiatu played the role of aggressor initially, striking 27 runs off 27 balls with one boundary and two sixes, while Susan Stephen settled in beautifully at the other end. The pair stitched together a steady 61-run opening partnership in 8.3 overs, frustrating the Italian bowlers who struggled to find an early breakthrough. Ilenia Sims eventually broke the stand by dismissing Langiatu, providing Italy Women with their first success and a much-needed breakthrough.
Once the first wicket fell, Susan Stephen took charge and shifted gears impressively. She played a fluent knock of 51 from just 42 deliveries, smashing eight boundaries and rotating strike smartly. Partnering with captain Rachel Andrew, she ensured Vanuatu did not lose momentum. The duo added another crucial 55 runs for the second wicket, pushing Italy further on the back foot. Rachel Andrew anchored the innings brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 41 off 39 balls with four boundaries, showing calm leadership throughout the innings. Susan Stephen’s dismissal at 116 in the 14.3rd over again came through Ilenia Sims, who proved to be Italy’s most effective bowler.
From there, Rachel Andrew and Nasimana Navaika ensured a strong finish. Navaika contributed a useful unbeaten 13 from 17 balls, while the pair added late runs to take Vanuatu Women to 153/2 in their 20 overs at a run rate of 7.65. Extras also played a role, contributing 21 runs, including five wides and five byes. For Italy Women, Ilenia Sims was the standout bowler with 2 wickets for 30 runs in her 4 overs. Alexia Kontopirakis bowled economically for her 4-0-23-0, while Pasindi Kanankege impressed with tight lines, conceding just 10 runs in 2 overs. Emma Moore (3-0-20-0), Himanshi Daluwatta (1-0-7-0), Diaisha Nanayakkara (2-0-19-0), and Chathurika Mahamalage (4-0-37-0) all chipped in, though wickets were hard to come by.
Chasing a revised DLS target of 154, Italy Women had a disastrous start as Vanessa Vira ripped through the top order. Alexia Kontopirakis was dismissed for a duck on the very first ball she faced, followed immediately by Himanshi Daluwatta for another duck. Ilenia Sims also fell cheaply for 0, leaving Italy Women reeling at 3/0 in just 0.4 overs. When Emma Moore managed only 3 before falling at 9/4 in 3.2 overs, the chase looked nearly over. Vanessa Vira was sensational with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 21 runs in her 3 overs, while Natalia Kakor supported brilliantly with 1 wicket for 20 runs.
However, Italy captain Emilia Bartram produced one of the best innings of the tournament under pressure. Watching on from the other end, she opted to counterattack fearlessly and shifted the momentum with clean strokeplay. Bartram smashed an unbeaten 54 off just 33 deliveries, including 11 boundaries, maintaining a stunning strike rate of 163.63. Her knock was full of authority and composure, perfectly balancing aggression with responsibility. She found excellent support from Methnara Rathnayake, who remained unbeaten on 33 from 23 balls, striking four boundaries and one six.
Together, Bartram and Rathnayake stitched an unbroken 87-run partnership for the fifth wicket, rescuing Italy from disaster and bringing them right back into the game. Their stand completely changed the complexion of the match, with Bartram dominating the attack while Rathnayake played the ideal supporting role. By the time rain interrupted play after 11.5 overs, Italy Women had reached 96/4 at a scoring rate of 8.11, putting them ahead on the DLS calculation and handing them victory by 8 runs.
For Vanuatu Women, Vanessa Vira was exceptional with 3/21, while Rachel Andrew bowled tightly for 2 overs conceding only 9 runs. Natalia Kakor added a wicket, and Susan Stephen, Nasimana Navaika, and Rayline Ova tried to contain the flow of runs but could not break the decisive partnership between Bartram and Rathnayake. Emilia Bartram was rightly named Player of the Match for her outstanding unbeaten 54, an innings that combined leadership, timing, and immense pressure handling.
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