Nepal's Batting Woes
Nepal, entering the match with renewed confidence after a close encounter with England, faltered significantly against Italy's bowling attack. Despite a steady start, their innings unraveled dramatically,
losing seven wickets for just 30 runs in a crucial phase. The batters struggled to respect the conditions at the Wankhede Stadium, opting for rash shots that led to their downfall. Captain Rohit Paudel admitted to the team not adapting well, calling it a disappointing performance from professionals. The collapse, attributed more to poor shot selection than exceptional bowling, saw Nepal bundled out for a mere 123 runs in 19.3 overs. Key performers with the ball for Italy included Benjamin Manenti, who set the tone with an economical spell of 4-0-9-2, and Crishan Kalugamage, who dismantled the middle order with figures of 4-0-18-3, ultimately earning him the Player of the Match award.
Italy's Record Chase
Chasing a modest target of 124, Italy's opening pair, the Mosca brothers, Anthony and Justin, delivered a masterclass in batting, chasing down the total without losing a single wicket. They completely dismantled Nepal's bowling attack, particularly dominating the Powerplay. In the first six overs, Italy amassed an impressive 68 runs without loss, featuring six fours and five sixes. This dominant start set the tone for the entire innings, leaving Nepal with no answers. The partnership between Anthony (62 not out) and Justin (60 not out) was remarkable, achieving the highest opening stand of the season and Italy's maiden 10-wicket victory in T20 Internationals. The duo's aggressive approach, characterized by powerful hitting and excellent shot selection, saw them comfortably reach the target in just 12.4 overs, with 44 balls to spare.
Match Insights and Statistics
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 match between Nepal and Italy, held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 12, 2026, was Match 17 of the tournament. Italy, ranked 26th in T20Is compared to Nepal's 18th, secured a historic win. Historically, Nepal had won 0 out of 1 match against Italy prior to this encounter, with Italy winning 1. In the last year, Nepal had a win percentage of 63.16% (12 wins in 19 matches), while Italy had a 50% win rate (4 wins in 8 matches). Top performers in the last year included Nepal's Kushal Bhurtel with 543 runs and Sandeep Lamichhane with 22 wickets, and for Italy, Anthony Mosca scored 205 runs and Crishan Kalugamage took 9 wickets. The match saw Italy's bowlers, led by Crishan Kalugamage, restrict Nepal to 123, with Benjamin Manenti also delivering a strong performance. The Mosca brothers' unbeaten 124-run partnership sealed the dominant victory.
Post-Match Reflections
Following Italy's commanding performance, captain Harry Manenti expressed immense pride in his team's display, highlighting their collective effort and the quality they possess. He specifically lauded the bowlers and the exceptional batting by the Mosca brothers, emphasizing the team's strong camaraderie. Conversely, Nepal's captain, Rohit Paudel, candidly admitted that his team did not respect the conditions and faltered in their batting, misjudging the pitch's suitability for a score of 123. He acknowledged Italy's superior play and identified his own dismissal as a turning point. The Player of the Match, Crishan Kalugamage, shared his joy and credited his hard work and the support of his teammates and coaching staff. The victory marks a significant milestone for Italy in the T20 World Cup, while Nepal faces a challenging path forward, needing to regroup for their upcoming matches.
