By News Editor 
Italy Women delivered a commanding performance to defeat Sweden Women by 7 wickets in the final of the Italy Women’s T20I Tri-Series at Aprilia Cricket Ground on September 29, 2024. The Italian side chased down a modest target of 113 with 12 balls to spare, thanks to key contributions from Ilenia Sims (35)* and a disciplined bowling display led by Dilaisha Nanayakkara and Luana Sims, both claiming 3 wickets each.
Key Highlights:
- Sweden’s Struggles with the Bat: Sweden could only post 112/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Their top order struggled, with only Signe Lundell (15) and Anya Vaidya (18) managing brief starts. Sweden’s middle order fell quickly as Nanayakkara (3/19) and Luana Sims (3/21) wreaked havoc with their accurate bowling.
- Italy’s Tight Bowling: Italy’s bowlers kept the run rate in check throughout the innings. Nanayakkara and Sims dismantled Sweden’s batting lineup, taking crucial wickets and maintaining economical spells.
- Italy’s Controlled Chase: Italy’s chase was anchored by Ilenia Sims, who remained unbeaten on 35 off 35 balls, providing stability as the Italian women methodically chased down the target. Methnara Rathnayake contributed with 16 off 19 balls, and captain Emilia Bartram added a useful 14 off 19* to seal the victory.
- Extras Play a Role: Italy benefitted significantly from Sweden’s lack of discipline, with 35 extras (including 32 wides) boosting their chase. Sweden’s bowling unit conceded too many extras, which allowed Italy to reach the target comfortably.
Key Moments:
- Nanayakkara’s All-Round Performance: Not only did Nanayakkara pick up crucial wickets with her accurate bowling (3/19), but she also set the tone with her early breakthroughs, dismissing Anya Vaidya and Elsa Thelander, which destabilized Sweden’s batting.
- Sims Anchors the Chase: Ilenia Sims played a mature innings, controlling the chase from one end, ensuring Italy didn’t lose sight of the target despite the early loss of Rathnayake and Nanayakkara.
- Sweden’s Middle-Order Collapse: Sweden collapsed in the middle overs after a steady start, losing wickets in clusters and failing to accelerate the scoring rate when it mattered most.
Brief Scores:
Sweden Women: 112/8 in 20 overs (Anya Vaidya 18, Signe Lundell 15, Dilaisha Nanayakkara 3/19, Luana Sims 3/21)
Italy Women: 113/3 in 18 overs (Ilenia Sims 35*, Methnara Rathnayake 16, Hareer Chamto 1/10, Gunjan Shukla 1/20)
Result: Italy Women won by 7 wickets with 12 balls remaining
Player of the Match: Dilaisha Nanayakkara (Italy) – 3/19 in 4 overs
Italy Women showcased their dominance in the final, both with the ball and bat, to secure the Italy Women’s T20I Tri-Series title. Their all-round performance, led by Dilaisha Nanayakkara and Ilenia Sims, ensured a comfortable chase and a well-earned victory. Sweden’s bowlers lacked discipline, conceding too many extras, which eased the pressure on Italy in the chase.
Victoria Hamilton