ICC/CricketEurope

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Gibraltar won an exciting clash with hosts Italy by 48 runs, to leave all four participants in Group A level on points with one win apiece.

That sets up an intriguing winners takes all scenario in tomorrow’s clashes, when Isle of Man face Gibraltar and Italy take on France.

Batting first Gibraltar made an above par 193 all out, boosted by the generosity of the Italians, who conceded what proved to be a crucial 53 extras, including an incredible 44 wides – in effect more than 7 extra overs!

Kayron Stagno proved to be the match winner with the bat, smashing 7 fours and 4 sixes in his 75. His innings occupied just 59 balls, and was a combination of some lovely drives, mixed up with some rather agricultural type shots.

There’s no doubt he has a keen eye, and when he strikes the ball, it goes a hell of a distance. He looked set for a century before being well yorked by the impressive Alamin Mia, who took 3-30.

Jeremy Perez stayed with Stagno after the early losses of both Julian Freyone (0), and Matthew Stott (7).
Simon Dumas and Mark Gomez both made 14, while Dylan Casciaro (18) entertained the sizeable crowd striking 4 boundaries.

Sahidul Islam Swad picked up 3 for 38, while the other bowlers who got wickets were Harry Starost (2-13), Salman Zaman (1-5) and Harpreet Singh (1-28).

Italy went in pursuit of the total with a strange mixture of either resolute defence or cavalier strokeplay. No batsman seemed capable of playing a responsible innings, and it was a cardinal shame that they had nearly 13 overs unused.

Their innings could be best summed up by ‘all duck or no dinner’. This was exemplified by the innings of captain Muhammad Adnan who hit 3 sixes and a four in his 28, before picking out Matthew Stott on the long on boundary in Stagno’s first over of spin.

Islam Sawad made 17 before being stupidly run out – Simon Dumas the fielder off his own bowling. Dumas had begun the Italian demise by taking the early wickets of Atikur Rahman (1) and James Fort (0).

Muhammad Ashgar (20), threatened briefly, before becoming one of Aaron Roberts four victims. The opening bowler impressed throughout, and fully deserved his haul.

At 114 for 9, Gibraltar relaxed a little, but were awakened by a late onslaught from Charith Rajamanthri who fit 29 from just 18 balls, including 5 fours and a huge six.

However his dismissal by skipper Julian Freyone sparked off great scenes of celebration in the Gibraltar camp.
A final Italian total of 145 saw Gibraltar emerge victors by 48 runs, setting up what should be a fascinating final day in the group phase.