Quick Read
- Italy secured their first-ever T20 World Cup win against Nepal on February 12, 2026.
- Italy defeated Nepal by 10 wickets, chasing 124 runs without losing a wicket in 12.4 overs.
- Brothers Justin Mosca (62 runs) and Anthony Mosca (60 runs) formed an unbroken 124-run opening partnership.
- Crishan Kalugamage was named Player of the Match for taking 3 wickets for 18 runs.
- Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel admitted his team’s poor batting led to their collapse at 123 all out.
MUMBAI (Azat TV) – Italy’s national cricket team etched its name into the history books on February 12, 2026, securing their first-ever victory in the ICC T20 World Cup by comprehensively defeating Nepal by 10 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This landmark achievement, driven by a dominant opening partnership from brothers Justin and Anthony Mosca, marks a significant moment for Italian cricket on the global stage.
The historic win saw Italy chase down Nepal’s target of 124 runs without losing a single wicket, reaching 124/0 in just 12.4 overs. The performance showcased a blend of aggressive batting and disciplined bowling that overwhelmed their opponents.
Mosca Brothers Lead Italy’s Dominant Chase
The foundation of Italy’s maiden T20 World Cup triumph was laid by an extraordinary unbroken 124-run opening stand between Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca. The ‘Mosca brothers,’ as they were dubbed, dismantled the Nepalese bowling attack with a display of powerful hitting and astute shot selection. Justin Mosca contributed a superb 62 runs from 41 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes, while his elder brother Anthony Mosca blasted 60 runs from just 29 deliveries, featuring 3 fours and 6 sixes. Their partnership, achieved in a mere 76 balls, was the third-highest opening stand of the tournament season.
Italy’s victorious skipper, Harry Manenti, expressed immense satisfaction with the team’s performance. ‘It feels great to win this game,’ Manenti stated, adding that the team gave their best and ‘showed the world what they have.’ He lauded the collective effort, highlighting the strong team cohesion and effective bowling.
Nepal’s Batting Collapse and Italian Bowling Prowess
Earlier in the day, Nepal’s innings struggled to gain momentum after a promising start. They were positioned at 93/3 in the 14th over but experienced a dramatic collapse, losing 7 wickets for just 30 runs in the subsequent 35 balls to be bowled out for 123. Nepal’s captain, Rohit Paudel, candidly admitted that Italy had ‘outplayed his side.’ Paudel acknowledged that the pitch was not a ‘123 all out wicket’ and attributed the collapse to poor batting and a failure to ‘respect the conditions,’ noting that his team had aimed for a target of around 160-170 runs.
Italy’s bowling attack was instrumental in restricting Nepal. Crishan Kalugamage, a Sri Lankan-born player, delivered a stellar performance, earning him the Player of the Match award for his figures of 3 wickets for 18 runs from his four overs. Kalugamage, who also works as a pizza chef, stated he was ‘happy with the win’ and always wanted to help the team. Benjamin Manenti also made a significant impact, setting the tone with an opening spell of 2 wickets for just 9 runs from his four overs. The Italian spinners were particularly effective in stifling Nepal’s middle order.
Implications for the T20 World Cup Campaign
This historic victory propels Italy into a temporary, yet notable, position above cricketing giants like England in the Group C points table. The win not only boosts the team’s morale but also serves as a strong statement of intent in their maiden World Cup appearance. Italy is scheduled to face England next on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Eden Gardens, followed by a clash with West Indies.
For Nepal, the defeat is a tough pill to swallow, marking their second 10-wicket loss in T20Is within five months, following a similar defeat against West Indies in Sharjah. Despite having recently defeated West Indies 2-1 in a bilateral series, Nepal’s captain stressed the need for his team to regroup and maintain self-belief as they prepare to face West Indies on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the same Wankhede Stadium. The strong crowd support, predominantly for Nepal, also extended its applause to Italy for their dominant performance.
Italy’s debut World Cup win against Nepal not only underscores the growing reach of cricket but also highlights the potential for emerging nations to make significant impacts on the international stage, challenging established hierarchies and creating memorable moments for their fans.