Italy 128-6

Bermuda 126-7

Bermuda suffered a two-run defeat to Italy yesterday in their first warm-up match ahead of the ICC World Cup Twenty20 tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Chasing Italy’s total of 128, Bermuda had a good start with Dion Stovell (33 from 17 balls) and Tre Manders (18 off 17 balls) putting on 45 for the first wicket in just five overs.

Manders was first to depart with Stovell dismissed four balls later.

David Hemp and captain Janeiro Tucker moved the score along to 77 before Tucker was dismissed in the 12th over for eight. Hemp was run out for 21 in the 14th over when the score was 84.

Gradually Italy gained the upper hand as Lionel Cann managed just five.

Allan Douglas scored 16 and Malachi Jones 14 to take the score over 100 mark before Douglas’ departure made it 107 for six in the 17th over.

Jones was unbeaten along with Jacobi Robinson as the overs ran out with 11 runs still needed off the final five deliveries.

Earlier Robinson claimed two for 18 from four overs to lead the Bermuda bowling.

CS Sandri led the Italy batting with 42 in the middle order after the Italians won the toss and opted to bat.

Bermuda will play a second warm-up match today against Canada.

The tournament opens on Friday with Bermuda playing Scotland in their first group match.

Bermuda matches: Scotland (Friday), Denmark (Saturday), Holland (Sunday), Afghanistan (Nov 20), Kenya (21st), Nepal (23rd) and Papua New Guinea (24th).