Italy Women secured a thrilling 8-run victory over Vanuatu Women via the DLS method in Match 16 of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026, with captain Emilia Bartram producing a decisive unbeaten knock in a rain-affected contest.
Vanuatu Build Strong Total
Vanuatu Women made a confident start after opting to bat, with Valenta Langiatu and Susan Stephen putting together a 61-run opening stand in 8.3 overs. Langiatu scored 27 off 27 balls, including one boundary and two sixes, before being dismissed by Ilenia Sims.
Stephen then took control of the innings, striking 51 from 42 deliveries with eight boundaries. She shared a 55-run partnership with captain Rachel Andrew, who remained unbeaten on 41 off 39 balls.
After Stephen’s dismissal at 116 in the 14.3rd over, Andrew and Nasimana Navaika added late runs, with Navaika contributing an unbeaten 13. Vanuatu finished on 153 for 2 in 20 overs, with extras adding 21 runs.
Sims was the pick of the bowlers for Italy with 2 for 30, while Alexia Kontopirakis and Pasindi Kanankege maintained control in their spells.
Italy Collapse Early in Chase
Chasing a revised target of 154, Italy suffered an early collapse as Vanessa Vira struck immediately. Alexia Kontopirakis, Himanshi Daluwatta, and Ilenia Sims were all dismissed for ducks, reducing Italy to 0 for 3 in the opening four balls.
Emma Moore’s dismissal for 3 left them at 9 for 4, with Vira claiming 3 for 21 and Natalia Kakor providing support with 1 for 20.
Bartram Leads Recovery
From that position, Emilia Bartram turned the game around with a composed yet aggressive innings. She remained unbeaten on 54 off 33 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and maintaining a strike rate of 163.63.
Methnara Rathnayake provided strong support with an unbeaten 33 from 23 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
The pair added an unbroken 87-run partnership for the fifth wicket, bringing Italy back into contention.
Rain Decides Outcome
Rain interrupted play after 11.5 overs with Italy at 96 for 4, putting them ahead on the DLS calculation and sealing an 8-run win.
Despite Vira’s standout bowling performance and efforts from Rachel Andrew and others to contain the scoring, Vanuatu were unable to break the crucial partnership.
Bartram was named Player of the Match for her unbeaten half-century, which proved decisive in guiding Italy to victory under pressure.
