Italy secured their first-ever win in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a dominant 10-wicket victory over Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.
Chasing a modest target of 124, Italy achieved victory without losing a wicket in just 12.4 overs, powered by a commanding opening partnership between Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca.
The Mosca duo compiled an unbeaten 124-run stand, delivering a clinical and emphatic performance that ensured the maiden triumph for Italy in the ongoing marquee tournament.
Anthony Mosca top-scored with a blistering 62 runs off 32 balls, striking three fours and six sixes, while Justin Mosca remained unbeaten on 60 from 44 deliveries with five fours and three sixes.
Earlier in the game, Nepal were bowled out for 123 runs in 19.3 overs after Italy produced an impressive and disciplined bowling display that consistently troubled the Nepalese batting lineup.
Aarif Sheikh led Nepal’s scoring with 27 off 24 balls, including three fours, while captain Rohit Paudel contributed 23 off 14 balls with two sixes.
Opening batter Aasif Shaikh added 20 runs off 20 balls including one two boundaries, and Karan KC remained unbeaten on 18 from 11 balls, striking one four and one six.
Nepal’s innings also saw early setbacks with opener Kushal Bhurtel dismissed for five, Dipendra Singh Airee scoring 17, while Lokesh Bam and Gulshan Jha managed three runs each.
Nandan Yadav was out for a duck, Sandeep Lamichhane scored five, and Lalit Rajbanshi was run out without adding to the scoreboard.
Crishan Kalugamage was Italy’s standout bowler with figures of 3 for 18 in four overs, supported by Ben Manenti’s two wickets and one wicket each for Ali Hasan, JJ Smuts, and Jaspreet Singh.
