MCC versus Italy A - Game 2

Although rain had seemed likely, the MCC turned up at the Venice CC ground at Campalto to find the clouds lifting and the promise of sunshine.
The Club won the toss and elected to bat. Just like the previous day, runs were difficult to come by and after the loss of the big hitters, retrenchment was needed. The middle order batsmen batted with care and diligence as they painstakingly built a defendable total. The Italy A captain juggled his bowling order with skill and set carefully thought out fielding positions with great precision. The MCC scored 191-8 off their 50 overs and at the innings break the game was anyone's.
The Italy A batting started well. Like the previous game they showed they were prepared to take on the bowling, but this time the luck was with them and they made good headway against the Club bowling. Although they lost early wickets, the middle order batsmen continued the assault on the MCC bowlers. Man of the match Fida plundered 69 runs, including some fine 6s. The hosts went on to reach their target in the 27th over.
After the game there were speeches and presentations. We all felt that this tour had been a great success, The MCC had learned of the improving standard of Italian club and national cricket, and of the infrastructure to support it. The club and national sides had the chance to test their skill against a good cricket side and had much to take away from their encounters.
We have all made friends and will follow the progress of Italy with interest.