A storied rivalry set for an International debut

By Shashank Timsina | Posted Posted Jan 31, 2026

Italy are all set to make their maiden appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which gets underway next week across India and Sri Lanka. Drawn in Group C alongside Nepal, Scotland, England, and the West Indies, Italy secured their spot in the showpiece by defeating Scotland in the qualifiers. They will open their campaign against the same Scottish side, who make a wildcard entry following Bangladesh’s withdrawal, before facing Nepal on 12th February at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

While this will be the first time Nepal and Italy meet in an official T20 International, the two sides are far from strangers. Their cricketing paths have crossed in 50-over internationals and List A fixtures dating back to 2004.

The story of Nepal-Italy encounters in ICC events almost began in 2001 at the ICC Trophy in Canada. Italy had to withdraw from the tournament after four members of their squad were ruled ineligible by the International Cricket Council, a decision that denied Nepal a first-ever ICC event opponent in Italy.

Following the 2001 ICC Trophy, Italy and Nepal met on three occasions in List A cricket: during the 2005 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifying Series in Malaysia, the 2010 ICC World Cricket League Division Four in Italy, and the 2013 ICC World Cricket League Division Three in Bermuda. Nepal emerged victorious on all three occasions.

The 2005 Qualifying Series saw Nepal dominate Italy by 88 runs, as Shakti Gauchan delivered a memorable all-round performance. Gauchan anchored the innings with an unbeaten 106 off 103 balls before backing it up with a superb bowling spell of 10–1–29–4, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Five years later, in Italy, Gauchan again starred in a comprehensive performance, scoring 12 off 40 balls, taking 2/7, and completing three catches in the field, helping Nepal to a 5-wicket victory.

The last encounter in Bermuda in 2013 ended in a dominant 8-wicket victory for Nepal, with left-arm orthodox Rahul Vishwakarma earning Player of the Match honours for his 3/28.

Despite Nepal’s historical dominance, Italy enter the T20 World Cup as a team on the rise. Italy have recorded wins against higher-ranked sides, including Scotland, and Ireland, demonstrating they will not be pushovers on the global stage.