Debutants Italy outshine Nepal

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Feb 12, 2026

After a thrilling four-run loss to two-time champions England on Sunday, Nepal faced a harsh reality check as T20 World Cup debutants Italy outplayed them comprehensively by 10 wickets on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. With this victory, Italy notched their first-ever win at a World Cup.

Electing to field first, Italy’s bowlers set the tone early. Ben Manenti returned with an economical 2/9 from his four overs, while leg-spinner Crishan Kalugamage impressed with a three-wicket haul, conceding just 18 runs in his quota. Nepal’s innings never gained momentum, collapsing from 93/3 to 123 all out, losing last six wickets for just 30 runs.

Asif Sheikh (20) and Rohit Paudel (23) had offered some resistance with a 41-run second-wicket stand, but the rest of the lineup struggled. Aarif Sheikh top-scored with 27 off 24 balls, and the team managed only seven boundaries and three sixes in their total.

Italy’s chase began with intent right from the word go. The Mosca brothers, Justin (60) and Anthony (62), forged a match-winning 123-run opening partnership, smashing a combined nine sixes and eight boundaries. The duo eased Italy to a comfortable victory, leaving Nepal reeling.

With two matches remaining against West Indies and Scotland, Nepal now are virtually knocked out of the tournament.