Italy vs. Guernsey – ICC T20 World Cup Europe Regional Final 2025 Match Preview (05/07/2025, 15:00 GMT)

Venue: Sportpark Westvliet, The Hague, Netherlands
Match Type: T20
Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Regional Final 2025
Match ID: 30070
Broadcast/Streaming: Fixtures & Stats

Match Overview

The second match of the ICC T20 World Cup Europe Regional Final 2025 will see Italy take on Guernsey at the Sportpark Westvliet in The Hague on July 5, 2025, at 15:00 GMT. This clash is crucial for both teams as they look to start their tournament campaign on a strong note in a five-team round-robin format.

With the top two teams securing a spot in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, this match will be an early litmus test of the squads' readiness and depth. The game promises to be a tight contest, with both teams boasting talented line-ups and a history of competitive encounters.

Team Insights

Italy

Italy, led by the experienced Joe Burns, will be looking to leverage their batting depth and explosive middle-order to post competitive totals. Captain Joe Burns, supported by Grant Stewart and Syed Naqvi, has been a consistent performer for the team in recent T20 encounters. The bowling unit, featuring Marcus Campopiano and Emilio Gay, will be tasked with containing Guernsey's aggressive batting line-up. However, Italy’s ability to chase effectively remains a key question.

Key Players:

• Joe Burns – Captain and key run-scorer
• Grant Stewart – All-rounder with match-winning potential
• Syed Naqvi – Right-arm fast bowler and lower-order run-scorer

Guernsey

Guernsey, captained by Ollie Nightingale, will enter the match with a balanced and well-structured side. The team's batting is led by Matthew Stokes and Josh Butler, who have both shown the ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed. The bowling unit, featuring Declan Martel and Adam Martel, has the potential to trouble even the best batters with a mix of pace and spin.

Key Players:

• Ollie Nightingale – Captain and all-rounder
• Matthew Stokes – Top-order batter and anchor
• Josh Butler – Explosive middle-order hitter

Head-to-Head

The two teams have faced each other in T20 format on two previous occasions:

• 16/06/2019: Italy vs. Guernsey
• 03/09/2017: Italy vs. Guernsey

These encounters showcase a closely fought rivalry, with both teams having the ability to outplay each other on any given day. Given the recent development of both squads, this match is expected to be a fresh contest with no clear favorites.

Match Prediction

Predicted Runs:

• Guernsey Total: ~116
• Italy Total: ~116

Average Runs in Previous Matches: 236.2 (as per historical data)

Prediction:
This match is expected to be a low-scoring but highly competitive T20 encounter, with the toss playing a crucial role. If the pitch at Sportpark Westvliet remains flat and true, the team batting second could gain an edge. However, with both sides having strong all-rounders, the result could be decided by a few key moments in the middle overs.

Favored Outcome (Prediction Code): 2 – Guernsey to win, or a close match with a slight edge to the home side.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Joe Burns (Italy) vs. Declan Martel (Guernsey) – A battle between a seasoned captain and a sharp bowler.
2. Matthew Stokes (Guernsey) vs. Marcus Campopiano (Italy) – Stokes' aggressive style could pose a challenge to Campopiano's swing and control.
3. Syed Naqvi (Italy) vs. Matthew Stokes (Guernsey) – A crucial middle-order duel that could influence the game's trajectory.

Conclusion

The Italy vs. Guernsey clash is set to be a thrilling start to the tournament for both teams. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, the match promises fast-paced cricket and intense competition. Fans can look forward to a nail-biting encounter that could set the tone for the rest of the regional final.

Date: 05 July 2025
Time: 15:00 GMT
Venue: Sportpark Westvliet, The Hague, Netherlands
Teams: Italy vs. Guernsey
Tournament: ICC T20 World Cup Europe Regional Final 2025

Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth analysis as the battle for the 2026 T20 World Cup qualification begins.
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