T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Day 5: Italy’s Perfect Prep & India A’s Demolition Job
The countdown is over! The final day of warm-up matches for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 wrapped up with dominant performances that set the tone for what promises to be an explosive tournament. Italy confirmed their readiness with a second consecutive win, while India A sent a powerful warning to competitors with a crushing victory over Namibia.
As the T20 World Cup 2026 prepares to burst into life across India and Sri Lanka, these warm-up games gave us our first real glimpse of team form, player fitness, and tactical approaches. Day 5 didn’t disappoint—delivering high-octane cricket, stunning collapses, and breakout performances.
Match 1: Italy Crush UAE by 112 Runs
Italy’s Explosive Batting Display
Tournament debutants Italy showed they’re not here just to make up numbers. After being put in to bat, the Italians came out swinging at the UAE bowling attack with serious intent.
Opening Partnership Magic:
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Mosca | 56 | 22 | 254.55 |
| Justin Mosca | 48 | 36 | 133.33 |
| Partnership Total | 81 runs | – | Opening stand |
Anthony Mosca absolutely annihilated the UAE bowlers, smashing 56 off just 22 deliveries before a run-out ended his fireworks. His brother Justin played the anchor role perfectly, scoring 48 off 36 balls before retiring after the 14th over.
The middle order kept the momentum alive. Harry Manenti contributed a quick-fire 29 off 21, while the Benjamin Manenti-Grant Stewart partnership added a crucial 49 runs. Stewart’s aggressive 29 off 15 balls helped Italy post a competitive 193 runs.
UAE Bowling Performance:
- Junaid Siddique: 3/32 (best figures)
- Muhammad Jawadullah: 1 wicket
- Simranjeet Singh: 1 wicket
UAE’s Batting Collapse
What followed was a complete disaster for the UAE. Chasing 194, they never got going.
The Collapse Timeline:
✗ Over 1-3: Lost 3 wickets, score 9/3
✗ Over 5: Down to 20/5
✗ Middle Order: Crishan Kalugamage rips through with 3 wickets
✗ Final Score: All out for 81 runs
JJ Smuts struck first by removing skipper Muhammad Waseem. Grant Stewart then turned destroyer, claiming three wickets to break the UAE’s back. Ali Hasan and Crishan Kalugamage completed the demolition job.
Only Muhammad Farooq (23 off 25) and Muhammad Zohaib (16 off 22) showed any resistance, but it was far too little as Italy cruised to a 112-run victory.
This makes it two wins from two warm-up games for Italy—a perfect preparation ahead of their World Cup debut. Check the complete tournament schedule to see when Italy opens their campaign.
Match 2: India A Demolish Namibia by 130 Runs
India A’s Batting Masterclass
In the evening fixture, India A batted first and put on a batting clinic despite early setbacks.
Early Struggles:
- Priyansh Arya dismissed in 2nd over (Max Heingo)
- Urvil Patel out in 3rd over (Bernard Scholtz)
- India A rocking early
The Rescue Act:
| Partnership | Runs Added | Key Contributors |
|---|---|---|
| Dhir-Parag | 111 runs | Counter-attacking brilliance |
| Naman Dhir | 39 (29 balls) | Steady aggression |
| Riyan Parag | 69 (39 balls) | Match-winning knock |
Naman Dhir and Riyan Parag pulled India A out of trouble with a stunning 111-run partnership. Parag’s explosive 69 off 39 balls was the standout performance, showcasing the kind of firepower that could trouble any participating team in the main event.
Gerhard Erasmus momentarily halted the charge by removing both set batters within three balls, but Ashutosh Sharma’s late blitz (35 off 21) pushed India A to 197 runs.
Namibia Bowling Highlights:
- Max Heingo: 2 wickets
- Ruben Trumpelmann: 2 wickets
- Gerhard Erasmus: 2/2 in one over (exceptional)
- Bernard Scholtz & Willem Myburgh: 1 wicket each
Namibia’s Shocking Collapse
Chasing 198 was always going to be tough, but nobody expected what happened next.
The Breakdown:
| Phase | Wickets Lost | Score |
|---|---|---|
| First 2 overs | 3 wickets | 2/3 |
| Next 8 runs | 5 wickets | 40/8 |
| Final total | All out | 67 runs |
Gurjapneet Singh demolished Namibia’s top order, striking twice in the first three balls. Mayank Yadav removed captain Gerhard Erasmus in the second over, and suddenly Namibia were 2/3.
The collapse accelerated as five more wickets fell for just 38 runs. Dylan Leicher’s 22 off 20 balls was the only meaningful contribution as Namibia were bundled out for 67 runs.
India A Bowling Dominance:
- Gurjapneet Singh: 2 wickets
- Mayank Yadav: 2 wickets
- Ashok Sharma: 2 wickets
- Vipraj Nigam: 2 wickets
- Ayush Badoni: 1 wicket
- Ravi Bishnoi: 1 wicket
India A’s 130-run victory was a complete team effort and a statement of intent before the tournament begins.
What These Results Mean for the Tournament
Italy’s Confidence Boost
Two dominant warm-up wins give the World Cup debutants serious momentum. Their aggressive batting approach and disciplined bowling suggest they won’t be pushovers in their group stage matches.
India’s Depth on Display
While this was India A (not the main squad), the performance showcases India’s incredible depth. Players fighting for spots delivered when it mattered, adding healthy competition for selection.
UAE and Namibia’s Concerns
Both teams will need to regroup quickly. Batting collapses of this magnitude right before the tournament raise serious questions about temperament and technique under pressure.
Tournament Preparations Complete
With warm-ups concluded, all 20 teams now shift focus to the main event. The stage is set for 55 matches of high-octane T20 cricket across India and Sri Lanka.
Keep tracking team form and match results through the live points table once the tournament begins.
FAQs About T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Ups
Q1: When do the main T20 World Cup 2026 matches begin?
The tournament kicks off on June 1, 2026, with the opening ceremony and India vs USA match.
Q2: How did Italy perform in their warm-up matches?
Italy won both warm-up games convincingly, defeating UAE by 112 runs on Day 5.
Q3: What was the biggest margin of victory on Day 5?
India A’s 130-run victory over Namibia was the largest winning margin on the final warm-up day.
Q4: Who were the standout performers in Day 5 warm-ups?
Anthony Mosca (56 off 22), Riyan Parag (69 off 39), and Gurjapneet Singh (2 wickets) impressed.
Q5: Are warm-up match results official?
No, warm-up matches don’t count toward official records but help teams finalize strategies and combinations.
Q6: Where can I watch the main tournament matches?
Check official broadcast details for the T20 World Cup 2026 through ICC’s broadcasting partners in your region.
Final Thoughts
Day 5 of warm-ups delivered exactly what cricket fans wanted—dominant batting, spectacular bowling, and a clear indication that teams are ready for battle. Italy’s perfect record and India A’s ruthless display set high standards.
The real action starts soon. Stay updated with the latest cricket news and match updates as the tournament unfolds!
