In a remarkable display of cricketing prowess, Italy secured its first-ever victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a stunning 10-wicket triumph over Nepal at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The Italian team, participating in only their second global cricket tournament, achieved this historic milestone through a dominant performance that saw them dismantle Nepal’s bowling attack in just 12.4 overs.
The foundation for Italy’s victory was laid by their bowling unit, particularly Sri Lanka-born wrist spinner Crishan Kalugamage, who delivered a decisive performance with figures of 3-18. Kalugamage’s crucial wickets included that of Nepal captain Rohit Paudel, helping restrict the Himalayan nation to a modest total of 123 runs, completed with three balls remaining in their innings.
The chase became a spectacular family affair as the Sydney-raised Mosca brothers, Anthony and Justin, orchestrated a flawless batting exhibition. Their unbeaten partnership of 124-0 marked only the eighth 10-wicket victory in the history of men’s T20 World Cup cricket. Anthony Mosca’s explosive 62 not out from 32 balls, complemented by Justin’s steady 60 not out from 44 deliveries, featured an impressive array of nine sixes and eight boundaries that systematically dismantled Nepal’s bowling attack.
This victory places Italy alongside the Netherlands as only the second non-British European nation to win a match in the T20 World Cup. The result comes as a particular disappointment for Nepal, who had previously demonstrated strong form by nearly defeating England at the same venue just days earlier.
In concurrent tournament action, Sri Lanka delivered a crushing 105-run victory over Oman in Pallekele. Captain Dasun Shanaka broke his own national record for the fastest Twenty20 half-century, reaching 50 runs in just 19 balls. Supported by Kusal Mendis (61) and Pavan Rathnayake (60), Sri Lanka posted a tournament-high 225-5 against Oman’s weakened bowling attack. Oman struggled in response, managing only 120-9, with off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana leading Sri Lanka’s bowling with figures of 2-11 from four overs.
Despite the lopsided result, Oman’s 43-year-old Mohammad Nadeem achieved personal distinction by becoming the oldest player to score a half-century in T20 World Cup history, finishing unbeaten on 53 from 56 balls.