Italy Make T20 World Cup History, Crush Nepal by 10 Wickets for Maiden Win
In a stunning twist at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Italy registered an historic first win on the global stage by crushing Nepal by 10 wickets at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. In only their second match in the tournament and debut appearance on the Cricket World Cup platform, Italy produced a dominating performance that silenced thousands of Nepal supporters and announced their arrival as a competitive side in the shortest format of international cricket.
The visitors won the toss and chose to bowl, immediately applying pressure on Nepal’s batting lineup. Italian spinners Crishan Kalugamage and Ben Manenti were exceptional, exploiting turn and variations to dismantle the Nepalese innings. Kalugamage, eventually named Player of the Match, finished with impressive figures of 3-18, while Manenti contributed with two crucial wickets. Together, they ran through Nepal’s lineup, dismissing them for a modest total of 123 runs in 19.3 overs, exposing a batting unit that had shown promise in earlier matches.
Nepal’s innings never got the momentum it needed. Despite brief resistance from skipper Rohit Paudel and Aarif Sheikh, Nepal’s batting lacked partnerships, a glaring vulnerability Italy eagerly capitalised on. Hardly any Nepal batter could counter the disciplined Italian spin attack, and the decision to delay using their leading spinner, Sandeep Lamichhane, backfired as runs flowed freely in the later stages of their innings.
With a target of 124 set, Italy’s openers Anthony and Justin Mosca walked out with confidence and purpose. The brothers, anchoring a flawless, unbeaten partnership, raced to the target inside 12.4 overs with relentless aggression. Anthony scored a blistering 62 not out off 32 balls, smashing six sixes, while Justin supported him with a classy 60 not out off 44 deliveries, including powerful drives and precise boundaries. Their partnership exemplified fearlessness and composure, dismantling any hopes Nepal had of regaining control.
This emphatic victory was more than a statistical milestone for Italy; it was a symbolic breakthrough for cricket in a country traditionally associated with football. The Italian side, a multicultural setup blending diverse cricketing backgrounds, showcased strategic nous, skill, and fielding excellence in an all-round performance. Their flawless chase and disciplined bowling earned admiration not just from supporters but also cricket legends who praised the historic nature of the win. Beyond the scoreboard, Italy’s cricket story reflects the sport’s expanding footprint. Their first World Cup win delivered with authority and flair resonates with fans around the world and highlights how emerging teams can shake up established hierarchies. As Italy continues its T20 World Cup campaign, this landmark victory will undoubtedly be remembered as “un momento storico” , a truly historic moment for Italian cricket.
The visitors won the toss and chose to bowl, immediately applying pressure on Nepal’s batting lineup. Italian spinners Crishan Kalugamage and Ben Manenti were exceptional, exploiting turn and variations to dismantle the Nepalese innings. Kalugamage, eventually named Player of the Match, finished with impressive figures of 3-18, while Manenti contributed with two crucial wickets. Together, they ran through Nepal’s lineup, dismissing them for a modest total of 123 runs in 19.3 overs, exposing a batting unit that had shown promise in earlier matches.
Nepal’s innings never got the momentum it needed. Despite brief resistance from skipper Rohit Paudel and Aarif Sheikh, Nepal’s batting lacked partnerships, a glaring vulnerability Italy eagerly capitalised on. Hardly any Nepal batter could counter the disciplined Italian spin attack, and the decision to delay using their leading spinner, Sandeep Lamichhane, backfired as runs flowed freely in the later stages of their innings.
With a target of 124 set, Italy’s openers Anthony and Justin Mosca walked out with confidence and purpose. The brothers, anchoring a flawless, unbeaten partnership, raced to the target inside 12.4 overs with relentless aggression. Anthony scored a blistering 62 not out off 32 balls, smashing six sixes, while Justin supported him with a classy 60 not out off 44 deliveries, including powerful drives and precise boundaries. Their partnership exemplified fearlessness and composure, dismantling any hopes Nepal had of regaining control.
This emphatic victory was more than a statistical milestone for Italy; it was a symbolic breakthrough for cricket in a country traditionally associated with football. The Italian side, a multicultural setup blending diverse cricketing backgrounds, showcased strategic nous, skill, and fielding excellence in an all-round performance. Their flawless chase and disciplined bowling earned admiration not just from supporters but also cricket legends who praised the historic nature of the win. Beyond the scoreboard, Italy’s cricket story reflects the sport’s expanding footprint. Their first World Cup win delivered with authority and flair resonates with fans around the world and highlights how emerging teams can shake up established hierarchies. As Italy continues its T20 World Cup campaign, this landmark victory will undoubtedly be remembered as “un momento storico” , a truly historic moment for Italian cricket.
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