Italy and Uganda secured their places in the Cricket World Cup 2027 Qualifier Play-off after finishing in the top two of their Challenge League B group in Tanzania.

With one matchday remaining in the final leg, neither side can now slip out of the qualifying positions in the six-team group, effectively the third tier of international 50-over cricket.

The pair will advance to an eight-team Qualifier Play-off later this year, alongside the top two teams from Challenge League A and the bottom four sides from Cricket World Cup League 2.

The tournament will determine the final four teams to reach the Cricket World Cup Qualifier and will also grant Italy and Uganda official One Day International status for the first time.

Uganda watched from the sidelines on Monday with a bye, but their progress was confirmed when Italy defeated Hong Kong China, the only team still capable of breaking into the top two.

Italy made an impressive start after losing the toss, with Ali Hasan removing Hong Kong opener Anshy Rath for a first-ball duck before Jaspreet Singh dismissed Martin Coetzee for nine.

Hong Kong were reduced to 64-5 after the wickets of Babar Hayat, who made 17, and Yasim Murtaza.

Zeeshan Ali’s 57 and Shahid Wasif’s 50 offered some resistance, but Hong Kong were bowled out for 174 in the final over.

Italy’s chase was anchored by Marcus Campopiano, who finished unbeaten on 74.

Harry Manenti contributed 39 before his brother Ben struck a brisk 50 from just 32 balls to ensure Italy avoided any late pressure.

Italy reached their target in 46 overs to seal a comfortable victory and end Hong Kong’s hopes of a top-two finish.

Neither Italy nor Uganda now need to win their final matches, with Italy facing hosts Tanzania and Uganda taking on Bahrain.

Uganda had been given a scare earlier in the final leg after defeats by Hong Kong and Italy, but their 15 August victory over Singapore ensured they remained in contention.

The two teams to emerge from Challenge League A will be decided after that competition’s final leg later this year.

The bottom four teams in League 2 will also join the Qualifier Play-off, with Namibia, Canada, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates currently occupying those positions. Oman, in fourth, are the only team among the chasing sides still able to mathematically fall into the bottom four.

Scotland, the United States and the Netherlands have already guaranteed top-four finishes in League 2 and their places in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.