The Italy vs Canada warm-up clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 turned out to be a gripping contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats till the final ball. Played at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 2, 2026, the match delivered drama, momentum swings, and individual brilliance from both sides.
Italy eventually defeated Canada by 10 runs in a morale-boosting victory that will give them plenty of confidence heading into the main tournament. A strong all-round display from JJ Smuts and disciplined bowling from Ali Hasan and Thomas Draca helped Italy defend a competitive total against a powerful Canadian batting lineup.
Here’s a complete, easy-to-read breakdown of the Italy vs Canada match, including key moments, performances, and what it means for both teams.
Italy vs Canada: Match Details
- Match: Canada vs Italy, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up
- Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Date: February 2, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Result: Italy won by 10 runs
Italy vs Canada: A Warm-Up Match That Felt Like a Final
Warm-up matches are often seen as low-pressure games, but this Italy vs Canada contest had the intensity of a knockout match. Both teams treated it as a crucial preparation opportunity ahead of the World Cup.
Italy wanted to test their batting depth and bowling combinations. Canada aimed to fine-tune their chase strategy. In the end, both teams got valuable lessons, but Italy walked away with the smiles.
Italy Bat First: Strong Foundation Sets the Tone
Italy’s innings began on a positive note with openers Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca showing early intent. They didn’t rush but made sure the scoreboard kept moving.
Powerplay Control
Italy reached 44/0 in 5 overs, putting Canada under immediate pressure. The Mosca duo played smart cricket, mixing caution with calculated aggression. Justin Mosca even launched a clean six off Dilon Heyliger, signaling Italy’s attacking mindset.
Canada Fight Back
Canada struck back after the powerplay.
- Jaskaran Singh dismissed Justin Mosca
- Dilpreet Bajwa removed Anthony Mosca
These breakthroughs slowed Italy’s momentum and brought captain Wayne Madsen and experienced all-rounder JJ Smuts to the crease.
JJ Smuts Anchors Italy’s Innings
If one player defined the Italy vs Canada match, it was JJ Smuts. The former South Africa cricketer played a calm yet impactful knock.
- Runs: 49
- Role: Stabilizer + accelerator
- Impact: Set up a competitive total
Smuts rotated the strike well and punished loose balls. Even though he missed a half-century by just one run, his contribution proved match-defining.
Middle-Order Support
Harry Manenti supported Smuts well in the later stages. While Wayne Madsen couldn’t convert his start, Manenti ensured Italy didn’t lose momentum.
Saad Bin Zafar picked up Madsen’s wicket, but Italy had already built a platform.
Italy Post a Competitive Total
Italy finished at:
156/4 in 20 overs
Considering Chennai conditions and the pressure of a warm-up match, this was a solid total. Canada’s bowlers did well in the death overs, but the lack of early wickets cost them.
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Key Canadian Bowlers:
- Kaleem Sana
- Saad Bin Zafar
- Jaskaran Singh
Canada’s Chase: Explosive Start Raises Hopes
Canada began their chase with confidence.
Captain Dilpreet Bajwa, making his captaincy debut at just 23, looked determined to lead from the front.
Powerplay Domination
Canada raced to:
52/0 in 6 overs
Bajwa and Yuvraj Samra attacked the Italian bowlers and found boundaries regularly. At this stage, the Italy vs Canada match seemed to be tilting towards Canada.
Italy’s new-ball bowlers struggled to make an impact, and Canada looked in control.
JJ Smuts Strikes Again — This Time With the Ball
Just when Canada looked comfortable, JJ Smuts stepped in with the ball.
He dismissed Yuvraj Samra, who was looking dangerous. This wicket shifted the momentum and reminded everyone why Smuts is such a valuable all-rounder.
Middle Overs Turn the Game
Canada still had the upper hand at 100/2 in 13 overs.
They needed 57 runs from 42 balls — very achievable in T20 cricket.
But Italy had other plans.
Thomas Draca’s Big Breakthrough
Draca dismissed the well-set Dilpreet Bajwa, a huge moment in the Italy vs Canada clash. Bajwa’s wicket opened the door for Italy’s comeback.
Nicholas Kirton tried to anchor the chase, but wickets falling at the other end created pressure.
Italy’s Bowlers Apply the Squeeze
At 107/4 in 15 overs, the game was alive again.
- Ben Manenti dismissed Navneet Dhaliwal
- Ali Hasan removed Harsh Thaker
- A run-out sent Shreyas Movva back
Suddenly, Canada were 125/5 in 16 overs, needing 32 from 17 balls.
The pressure was visible.
Final Overs: Pure T20 Drama
The Italy vs Canada match turned into a thriller in the last overs.
Canada reached 141/5 in 19 overs, needing 16 from the final over. The equation was tight but still possible.
Grant Stewart Holds His Nerve
Grant Stewart bowled a superb final over.
Calm under pressure, he didn’t allow big hits and closed the game smartly.
Italy restricted Canada and sealed a 10-run win.
Italy vs Canada: Key Performers
1. JJ Smuts (Italy)
- 49 runs
- 1 crucial wicket
- Game-changing impact
2. Ali Hasan (Italy)
- Economical spell
- Key wicket in death overs
3. Thomas Draca (Italy)
- Removed Dilpreet Bajwa
- Shifted momentum
4. Dilpreet Bajwa (Canada)
- Aggressive start
- Led from the front despite the loss
What This Win Means for Italy
This victory is huge for Italy’s confidence.
They showed:
- Batting stability
- Bowling discipline
- Nerve in pressure moments
Winning a close game before a World Cup can boost team belief massively.
Italy will next face Scotland at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on February 9, 2026. If they carry this momentum, they could surprise bigger teams.
What Canada Need to Improve
Canada did many things right but lost key moments.
Areas to work on:
- Finishing chases under pressure
- Middle-over partnerships
- Death-over execution
They will play South Africa at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on February 9, 2026 — a tough challenge but also a big opportunity.
Italy vs Canada: Final Score Summary
Italy: 156/4 (20 overs)
Canada: 146/?? (20 overs)
Result: Italy won by 10 runs
Also read: AFG vs SCO Live Score: Afghanistan Face Scotland in Crucial ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Match
Conclusion
The Italy vs Canada warm-up match proved that associate teams are becoming stronger and more competitive in world cricket. The quality, intensity, and drama on display showed how far these teams have come.
For neutral fans, it was a reminder that T20 cricket can produce thrillers anytime, anywhere.
Italy will take confidence and belief from this win. Canada will take lessons. And cricket fans got an entertaining contest that felt far more than just a warm-up.
