Italy, Uganda keep World Cup 2027 dreams alive in Tanzania

By Daniel Beswick

Italy and Uganda have completed their first step on the road to a dream ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 qualification, finishing in the top two spots in their Challenge League B group in Tanzania.

With one matchday remaining in the last of three legs of the competition, neither side can fall out of the top two of their six-team group, which is effectively the third tier of international 50-over competition.

The pair will move on to the Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off later this year, an eight-team tournament including the top two teams from the Challenge League A group, and the bottom four finishers from Cricket World Cup League 2, the competition above them on the 50-over pyramid.

The tournament will determine the final four spots of the Cricket World Cup Qualifier, and carries One Day International status, meaning the pair will play their first official ODIs.

With a bye on Monday Uganda were nervous spectators, though their fate was secured thanks to Italy defeating Hong Kong China, the only side that could threaten with late charge for a top-two spot.

The Italians were ruthless early with the ball despite losing the toss, with Ali Hasan claiming the prized wicket of Hong Kong mainstay Anshy Rath for a duck in the first over, and Jaspreet Singh dismissing fellow opener Martin Coetzee (9) early on.

The loss of Babar Hayat (17) and Yasim Murtaza had Hong Kong precariously sat at 64/5, and despite a fighting response from Zeeshan Ali (57) and Shahid Wasif (50), Hong Kong fell to 174 all out in the final over.

Despite the loss of early wickets and runs hard to come by on the surfaces in Tanzania over the course of the Challenge League leg, Italy's chase went to script. Marcus Campopiano's 74 not out anchored the chase, with the Manenti brothers of Harry (39) and Ben (50) providing priceless contributions.

Ben's stay of just 32 balls ensured no late run rate nerves for the Italians, who eventually reached the target in 46 overs.

The result meant that neither the Italians or Uganda need victory on the final day of competition, where they face Tanzania and Bahrain respectively.

Uganda had their been pegged back earlier in recent action with defeats to Hong Kong and Italy, though a victory against Singapore on August 15 prevented a final leg slide.

The two teams to advance from the other Challenge League group will be decided after the final leg of their competition later in the year, while the composition of the bottom four of League 2 will be determined thanks to the remaining three tri-series of the competition.

As it stands, Namibia, Canada, Nepal and United Arab Emirates sit in the bottom four, with Oman in fourth the only team that could mathematically be overtaken by the chasing pack.

Scotland, USA and Netherlands are guaranteed a top four finish in League 2 and will progress to the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.