Italy Crush Nepal by 10 Wickets for First-Ever T20 WC Victory

Italy produced a clinical all-round performance to register their maiden T20 World Cup win, defeating Nepal by 10 wickets in a one-sided encounter at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Coming into the match on the back of a heavy 73-run loss to Scotland, Italy showed remarkable improvement and composure, dominating both with the ball and the bat. Their bowlers set the tone early as Nepal never really found momentum and were eventually bowled out for a modest 123.

Leg-spinner Crishan Kalugamage led the charge with an impressive spell of 3 for 18, while disciplined support from the rest of the attack ensured Nepal’s batting line-up never settled. Only three Nepal batters managed to cross the 20-run mark as wickets fell at regular intervals.

In response, Italy’s chase was spearheaded by brothers Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca, who opened the innings together and put on a commanding display. It marked only the second instance in T20 World Cup history of siblings opening the batting in the same match.

The duo played with confidence and attacking intent from the outset, racing to 68 runs in the powerplay and pushing the total to 97 by the 10-over mark. Nepal’s bowlers struggled to break the partnership as both Mosca brothers brought up unbeaten half-centuries.

Italy comfortably reached the target with 7.2 overs to spare, sealing a memorable victory that significantly boosts their net run-rate and lifts them above England in the Group C standings.

Italy will next face England on Monday in what promises to be a crucial contest, while Nepal will look to open their account when they take on the West Indies on Sunday.

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