Italy’s Carl Sandri ensured Italy continued its winning ways at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2012, as his side beat United States of America at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi in its Group B fixture by eight runs, on Wednesday.
Asif Khan during his knock of 35 not out. Photo: ICC
Italy openers Michael Di Venuto, Andy Northcote and Peter Petricola were all out early on with the side left reeling with just 26 runs on the board by the fifth over. The in-form Di Venuto departed early after being run-out by Steven Taylor who had received the ball after some sharp fielding from Usman Shuja.
The middle-order stabilized matters with Damian Crowley (26), Sandri (49 not out) and Alessandro Bonora (18) making sure the side finished its innings on a respectable 137-6.
In reply, captain Sushil Nadkarni departed for a first ball duck after the former India U19 player edged the ball to Hayden Patrizi behind the stumps. Taylor and Hutchinson failed to perform while Orlando Baker departed after a spectacular diving catch by Hemantha Jayasena off the bowling of Sandri.
USA vice-captain Aditya Mishra departed soon after, having been stumped by Patrizi and despite a valiant effort by Asif Khan (35 not out) and Abhimanyu Rajp (14 not out) to big hit their way to the target, Italy’s bowlers trapped the Americans and ensured that despite the team requiring just 11 off the last four balls it was not to be USA’s day.
Italy captain Bonora had nothing but praise for Sandri and the team effort that was put in the win: “It was a hard-fought victory today which was very much a team effort after a disappointing start with the bat. It was a team effort when it came down to fielding and bowling we did particularly well today. Credit should go to Damien Crowley, Carl Sandri and also Gareth Berg and Vincenzo Pennazza – they did well all-round and impressed, they didn’t take their eye off the game for a moment.”
USA coach Mark Johnson added post-match: “I think we lost our way severely especially after we played well early on in the game. We came back, but the side showed signs of its immaturity and we need to capitalise on the good points and make sure we continue to think throughout the 20 overs. We’re still growing as a side and we will continue to improve game by game, day by day.”
Italy 137-6, 20 overs (Carl Sandri 49 not out, Damian Crowley 26; Muhammad Ghous 2-18)
USA 129-8, 20 overs (Asif Khan 35 not out, Aditya Mishra 25; Carl Sandri 2-32, Vince Pennazza 2-11)
Result: Italy won by eight runs
Man on of the match: Carl Sandri (Italy)