How Did Italy Achieve a Stunning 10-Wicket Victory Against Nepal in Group C?

Key Takeaways

Italy achieved their first 10-wicket victory in T20Is.

Crishan Kalugamage took three wickets, helping to bowl Nepal out for 123.

Justin and Anthony Mosca set a new record for the highest sibling partnership in T20 World Cups.

This match highlights the competitive spirit of associate teams in global cricket.

Italy's triumph over Nepal is a significant moment in T20 World Cup history.

Mumbai, Feb 12 (NationPress) In a remarkable debut, Italy made history by securing a resounding 10-wicket victory over Nepal during their second match of the T20 World Cup 2026 held at the famed Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. This victory marks Italy as the second associate team, after Oman, to achieve a ten-wicket win in the annals of T20 World Cup history.

Italy's right-arm leg-spinner Crishan Kalugamage was instrumental, capturing three vital wickets as they bowled Nepal out for a mere 123 runs in just 19.3 overs after winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Kalugamage received excellent support from Ben Manenti, who claimed two wickets in four overs, while JJ Smuts, Ali Hasan, and Jaspreet Singh each took a wicket.

Chasing the modest target, Italy showcased their batting prowess with an unbroken opening stand of 124 runs between Justin and Anthony Mosca, sealing the match in only 12.4 overs without losing a wicket. Justin reached his first fifty of the tournament in a quick 37 balls, finishing unbeaten on 60, including five fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 136.36.

His brother, Anthony, also shone with a blistering fifty off just 28 balls, concluding not out at 62 from 32 balls. He smashed six sixes and three fours, boasting an impressive strike rate of 193.75, and hit the winning runs for Italy.

Here are some noteworthy statistics from the Italy vs Nepal match:

2 - This was Nepal's second 10-wicket defeat in T20 internationals, having previously suffered a similar loss to the West Indies in 2025.

44 - This marked the third-highest successful 120-plus run chase in T20 World Cups. The West Indies had previously achieved 55 balls remaining against the USA in 2024 (Target 129), and England had 50 balls left against Australia in Dubai in 2021 (Target 126).

124* - The Mosca brothers set a new record for siblings in T20 World Cups with their unbeaten opening partnership of 124 runs, surpassing the previous record of 96 held by Kamran and Umar Akmal against Australia in the 2014 WC.

1 - This was Italy's inaugural 10-wicket victory in T20 internationals.

2 - Italy triumphed over Nepal by 10 wickets, marking only the second occasion an associate team has won by this margin in T20 World Cup history, following Oman's victory over PNG in 2021.

Point of View

We view Italy's victory as a significant milestone for associate teams in international cricket. This match not only highlights Italy's growing prowess in the sport but also reinforces the unpredictability and excitement that the T20 format brings to the global stage.

NationPress

12 May 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the Italy vs Nepal match?

Italy won the match by 10 wickets, chasing down Nepal's total of 123 runs.

Who were the standout players in the Italy vs Nepal match?

Crishan Kalugamage was key with three wickets, while Justin and Anthony Mosca both contributed significantly with the bat.

What historical significance does this match hold?

Italy's victory marks them as the second associate team in T20 World Cup history to win by 10 wickets, following Oman.