Italy dominated Nepal in a thrilling T20 World Cup match, showcasing exceptional bowling and fielding skills at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Captain Harry Manenti won the toss and chose to field, a decision that paid off as Italy’s bowlers restricted Nepal to 123 in 19.3 overs.
Nepal lost Kushal Bhurtel early but regrouped to reach 46/1 in the powerplay. Captain Rohit Paudel struck a quick 23 off 14 balls, including two sixes, to provide momentum. However, Italy’s spin-heavy attack tightened control. Leg-spinner Crishan Kalugamage claimed three wickets, including Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee, while off-spinner Benjamin Manenti delivered a miserly spell of 2/9 in four overs.
Karan KC added a late 18 runs, but Italy’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured Nepal folded before the final over.
Set 124 to win, Italy’s openers Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca launched a blistering reply. They raced to 68/0 in six overs, dismantling Nepal’s bowling attack with aggressive stroke play. The Mosca brothers’ dominance left Italy on the brink of a historic triumph, needing just 56 more runs with all wickets intact.
This performance highlights Italy’s growing stature in world cricket. A victory here would mark their first-ever T20 World Cup win, a milestone moment for associate nations competing on the global stage.
