MUMBAI: Italy registered a landmark victory in the 17th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, dismantling Nepal by 10 wickets at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The clinical chase not only secured Italy’s first win of the tournament but also marked one of the most significant moments in the nation’s cricketing history.
Chasing a modest target of 124, Italy’s openers made light work of the total, wrapping up the contest in just 12.4 overs without losing a wicket. The emphatic win showcased Italy’s growing stature in international cricket, especially against a competitive Nepal side that had recently stretched England in a closely fought encounter.
The foundation of Italy’s dominance was laid by the Mosca brothers, Justin and Anthony, who delivered a commanding opening partnership. The duo raced to 68 runs within the Powerplay, dismantling Nepal’s bowling attack with aggressive strokeplay and calculated risk-taking.
Anthony Mosca was particularly explosive, smashing 62 runs off just 32 deliveries. His innings featured six towering sixes and three boundaries, keeping the required rate comfortably under control throughout the chase. At the other end, Justin Mosca provided solid support with a composed unbeaten 60 off 44 balls, including three sixes and five fours.
Their seamless coordination and attacking intent ensured Nepal never found a breakthrough. The winning moment arrived in the 12th over when Anthony calmly pushed a single to complete a comprehensive victory, sealing Italy’s first-ever triumph at a T20 World Cup.
Earlier in the match, Nepal’s batting faltered after being asked to set a target. The Asian side struggled to build sustained partnerships and were bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs. An early setback saw Kushal Bhurtel depart cheaply for five, placing immediate pressure on the top order.
Captain Rohit Paudel and Aasif Sheikh attempted to stabilize the innings with a 41-run partnership. Paudel showed intent during his brisk 23 off 14 balls, striking two sixes before falling at a crucial juncture. Sri Lanka-born Crishan Kalugamage broke the stand and shifted momentum firmly in Italy’s favor.
Nepal briefly recovered through a 44-run stand between Dipendra Singh Airee and Aarif Sheikh, pushing the total to 93 for four. However, Airee’s dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse. From a promising position, Nepal slipped to 102 for eight and eventually folded for 123, losing their final six wickets for just 30 runs.
Aarif Sheikh emerged as Nepal’s top scorer with 27 off 24 deliveries, hitting three boundaries, but lacked substantial support from the lower order.
For Italy, Kalugamage led the bowling charge with three crucial wickets, while Ben Manenti chipped in with two scalps to keep Nepal under pressure throughout the innings.
The commanding win not only boosts Italy’s campaign in the tournament but also signals their arrival as a competitive force on the global T20 stage.
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