It’s not often that lightning strikes twice but it did in the case of Italy and The Netherlands during European Division One clashes in Ireland.

At Comber in 2002 the Italians struggled to 143 with only Joe Scuderi (64) mastering the conditions at the Northern Irish venue.

(© CricketEurope)

However it proved enough as Andrea Corbellari took four wickets as the Dutch were restricted to 143 for 9, despite a half century by Nick Statham and 41 from Luuk van Troost.

Fast forward to 2008 and Dublin, and it was a case of déjà vu all over again!

Italy overcame the loss of four early wickets as they posted 181, with Scuderi making an unbeaten 84.

The celebrations begin as the last Dutch wicket is taken (© CricketEurope)

It proved to be enough as a disciplined bowling effort saw them clinch an eight runs win despite Tom de Grooth’s 51 and 34 from Peter Borren.

The Dutch bounced back the next day as they recorded the highest score in a European Division One match – their 474 for 8 against Norway. Darron Reekers hit 196 and De Grooth 96 in a record opening stand of 290, while the margin of victory (370 runs) was another record.