Grant Stewart hit three successive sixes in the last over to secure a stunning victory for Italy over Ireland in the dead rubber of their three-match T20 international series.

Skipper Paul Stirling top scored for the Boys in Green with 45 from 38 balls in a total of 154 and a couple of wickets each for Matthew Humphreys and Mark Adair looked to have swung the game firmly in Ireland’s favour. 

But with 20 required from the final seven deliveries, the Azzurri seventh-wicket pair found a four and then three maximums to win with three balls to spare. 

While Italy assistant coach Kevin O’Brien will have enjoyed a famous win, it’s a safe bet to assume Barry McCarthy won’t be entrusted with the final over again when Ireland’s T20 World Cup campaign begins against Sri Lanka in Colombo on February 8.