Italy's Dominant Chase
Italy achieved a monumental 10-wicket victory against Nepal in Match 17 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Nepal, batting first, posted a modest total of 123 all out in 19.3 overs. However, Italy's opening pair, Justin and Anthony Mosca, displayed extraordinary batting prowess, chasing down the target with ease. They remained unbeaten throughout the innings, reaching 124 without losing a single wicket in just 12.4 overs. This remarkable performance not only secured a significant win for Italy but also marked a historic achievement in their T20 World Cup journey, leaving Nepal with much to reflect on. The match was streamed on JioHotstar and broadcast on Star Sports, with Donovan Koch and Sam Nogajski officiating as umpires.
Mosca Brothers' Masterclass
The cornerstone of Italy's astonishing victory was the unbroken 124-run partnership between brothers Justin and Anthony Mosca. Opening the innings, they showcased a remarkable blend of aggression and composure, leaving the Nepalese bowlers with no answers. Justin Mosca reached his half-century off 37 balls, ultimately finishing on 60 not out from 41 deliveries, including 4 fours and 4 sixes. His elder brother, Anthony, was equally destructive, scoring 62 not out from 31 balls with 5 boundaries, including 6 towering sixes. Their partnership, which spanned just 76 balls, is recorded as the third-highest opening stand of the season, a testament to their sheer dominance. The effortless way they found gaps, dispatched boundaries, and maintained a brisk scoring rate ensured Nepal never had a foothold in the game, ultimately leading to a comfortable 10-wicket triumph.
Nepal's Batting Collapse
Nepal's batting innings proved to be a significant disappointment, especially after their promising performance against England. The team was at a respectable 93/3 in the 14th over, but a dramatic collapse ensued, with them losing the next 7 wickets for just 30 runs in the subsequent 3.5 overs, leading to their eventual total of 123. Poor shot selection seemed to be a major factor, with players playing rash shots rather than respecting the conditions. Captain Rohit Paudel acknowledged this, stating that Nepal did not respect the pitch and that his own dismissal was a turning point. Despite aiming for a score between 160-170, their batting faltered under pressure. While the Wankhede pitch was not considered a 123-run wicket, Nepal's inability to build partnerships and maintain composure in the latter half of their innings proved costly.
Italy's Bowling Brilliance
While the Mosca brothers stole the show with their batting, Italy's bowlers laid the foundation for this memorable victory. The pace attack, led by Benjamin Manenti and Crishan Kalugamage, proved highly effective in restricting Nepal. Benjamin Manenti delivered a stellar spell, taking 2 wickets for just 9 runs in his 4 overs, setting a strong tone early on. Crishan Kalugamage, a Sri Lankan-born bowler, was instrumental in dismantling Nepal's middle order, claiming 3 crucial wickets for 18 runs in his 4-over spell. This disciplined bowling performance, combined with good fielding, ensured Nepal's total remained well below par. The bowlers' ability to consistently hit their lines and lengths denied Nepal any significant momentum, making the chase a straightforward task for their formidable batting lineup.
Match Insights and Future Prospects
This victory represents a historic moment for Italian cricket, marking their maiden 10-wicket win in T20 Internationals. Italy, currently ranked 26th in T20Is, ahead of Nepal (18th), showcased a performance that belied their rankings. Looking ahead, Italy faces tough challenges against England and West Indies on February 16th and February 15th respectively, both at the Eden Gardens. Meanwhile, Nepal, having faced a significant defeat, must regroup and focus on their upcoming match against West Indies on February 15th at the Wankhede. Despite this loss, Nepal has a history of performing well against West Indies, having won a bilateral series 2-1 previously, and will need to draw on that confidence to bounce back strongly.
