NEW DELHI: Italy created history by registering their first-ever victory over a Test-playing nation, defeating Ireland by four wickets in the third T20I at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Monday. However, the 28th-ranked Italians still lost the three-match series 1–2 to 11th-ranked Ireland.

Italy pulled off a stunning upset to claim their first-ever win over a Full Member nation, thanks to a jaw-dropping finish from Grant Stewart, who turned the game on its head in the final over. With 16 runs needed off the last six balls, Stewart hammered three successive sixes to clinch victory with three deliveries to spare.

Stewart finished unbeaten on a blistering 33 off 19 balls, laced with five boundaries, while captain Wayne Madsen anchored the chase with a gritty 39 off 30 deliveries after Italy lost an early wicket in the opening over while chasing 155.

The match appeared to be drifting away from Italy when Gian-Piero Meade (22 off 19) was dismissed with 44 runs still required from the final four overs. Marcus Campipiano then joined Stewart, who was struggling to find the middle at the time.

However, the pair held their nerve, adding crucial runs and collecting 14 off Mark Adair’s penultimate over to bring the equation down to 16 needed in the last over.

Then came the moment of magic. Facing Barry McCarthy, Stewart launched the first three balls into the stands, sending the Italian camp into raptures and sealing a landmark win.

Earlier, Italy had won the toss and opted to bowl first in the series decider.

Italy are set to make their maiden appearance at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, and the landmark victory is expected to serve as a major confidence boost ahead of the tournament, which gets underway next month.

The 10th edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup begins on February 7, with Italy drawn in Group C alongside two-time champions England and West Indies, as well as Scotland and Nepal.