Austria clinched the five-match T20I series by winning the third and the fourth T20I against Italy on Wednesday (August 11) at the Roma Cricket Ground in Spinaceto.
In the first of two games on the day, Austria were asked to bat first by the newest team in international cricket and Andrea-Mae Zepada got off to a good start despite losing partner Busra Uca (zero) on the second ball. She was involved in a 68-run second-wicket partnership with captain Gandhali Bapat (19).
Sharon Withanage, who finished with three for 32, broke the stand by dismissing Bapat. Zepada then became Withanage’s second victim after she was trapped in front of the stumps for 43. However, Mahadewa Pathirannehalage scored an unbeaten, run-a-ball 18 to help Austria get to 120.
Italy’s response began strongly, with openers Teshani Araliya and captain Kumudu Peddrick adding 64 for the first wicket. But Araliya fell for 22 and the already slow proceedings became slower. Italy eventually fell short by seven run, with Peddrick finishing not out on 50.
In the fourth T20I, Italy opted to bat first and were faced with a Valentina Avdylaj storm. The right-arm seamer picked up the top four wickets in the first five overs, leaving the hosts reeling at four for 25 after the power play.
Italy could never recover from the jolt and were eventually dismissed for 73, their lowest score in T20Is. Avdylaj finished with four for 12 off her four overs, including a maiden.
Austria then overhauled the target with six wickets in the bank. Withanage proved her credentials yet again with two wickets for 22 runs.
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