Nepal's Batting Collapse
Nepal faced a significant setback in their T20 World Cup campaign, failing to set a competitive total against Italy. After a promising start, their batting
lineup faltered dramatically, losing seven wickets for just 30 runs in a span of 38 balls. This collapse, which saw them bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs, was attributed more to poor shot selection by their batsmen than exceptional Italian bowling, though key performances from Ben Manenti (2/9) and Crishan Kalugamage (3/18) significantly contributed to their downfall. This marks another instance of Nepal suffering a 10-wicket defeat in T20Is, a rare occurrence until recent months.
The Mosca Masterclass
Chasing a mere 123, Italy's opening batsmen, brothers Justin and Anthony Mosca, delivered a batting masterclass, ensuring a comfortable and historic victory. They remained unbeaten, forging an exceptional 124-run partnership that extinguished any hope for Nepal. Justin scored an unbeaten 60 off 44 balls, while Anthony contributed an aggressive 62 not out from just 32 deliveries. Their partnership, which included 8 fours and 9 sixes combined, not only secured Italy's first T20 World Cup win but also marked their maiden 10-wicket victory in the format, achieved in just 12.4 overs.
Bowling Brilliance
While the batting of the Mosca brothers stole the headlines, Italy's bowling effort laid the foundation for their resounding win. Spinners Ben Manenti and Crishan Kalugamage were instrumental in restricting Nepal. Manenti, in particular, had a stellar opening spell, taking two wickets for just nine runs. Kalugamage, a Sri Lankan-born cricketer, further dismantled Nepal's middle order with his three wickets for 18 runs. Their disciplined lines and lengths put constant pressure on the Nepalese batsmen, preventing them from building any significant momentum and contributing to the eventual batting collapse.
Italy's Historic Achievement
This victory marks a watershed moment for Italian cricket, securing their first-ever win in the T20 World Cup. The dominant 10-wicket margin of victory underscores their impressive performance. The Italian team, celebrated by the crowd at Wankhede despite strong support for Nepal, demonstrated their capabilities on the global stage. Skipper Harry Manenti expressed immense pride, highlighting the team's camaraderie and hard work. The win propels Italy above teams like England in the current points table, a testament to their potential, though challenging encounters against England and the West Indies lie ahead.
Nepal's Road Ahead
For Nepal, this loss is a significant blow to their T20 World Cup aspirations, making their journey forward extremely challenging. Having previously given England a scare, their inconsistency was highlighted by this defeat. Captain Rohit Paudel acknowledged that his team 'did not respect the conditions' and that their batting performance was significantly below par, aiming for a score much higher than the 123 they posted. They now face a crucial match against the West Indies on February 15, 2026, at the Wankhede. Despite the difficult situation, Nepal needs to rally, drawing confidence from their past series win against the West Indies and believing they can replicate that success.
