T20 World Cup 2026: 'Game is spreading beautifully across the globe' - Sachin Tendulkar congratulates Italy on historic win

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar congratulated the Italian Cricket Team after they managed to defeat Nepal comprehensively on Thursday, February 12, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This turned out to be a historic moment as Italy registered their first-ever victory in the T20 World Cup.

Former India captain Tendulkar highlighted the dominance with which Italy won the game. They opted to bowl first after winning the toss and bowled out Nepal for 123 in 19.3 overs. In the second innings, siblings Justin

Mosca and Anthony Mosca smashed unbeaten half-centuries to take their team home in 12.4 overs, with all 10 wickets to spare. Tendulkar also mentioned that Italy has been known for being a footballing nation, but they have announced themselves on the cricket scene with a resounding performance against Rohit Paudel's men.

"Congratulations to Italy on their first-ever T20 World Cup win, and in such commanding fashion! A proud footballing nation making its mark in cricket reminds us how beautifully the game is spreading across the globe," Tendulkar wrote on his official 'X' (formerly Twitter) handle.

Italy didn't have a great start to the campaign as they lost to Scotland by 73 runs in their debut match in the T20 World Cup. During the drubbing, Italy suffered a massive blow as their captain, Wayne Madsen, dislocated his shoulder while fielding and had to leave the field.

He also missed Thursday's game against Nepal, as Harry Manenti took charge of the team. Crishan Kalugamage was the pick of the bowlers for Italy against Nepal as he finished with excellent figures of 3/18 in four overs. In reply, Justin Mosca made 60* off 44 balls, while his elder brother amassed 62* off just 32 deliveries.