Did Italy Outperform Nepal in T20 WC Match?
Synopsis
Nepal's cricket captain Rohit Paudel reflects on a disappointing 10-wicket loss to Italy in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The team struggled with their batting, falling short after an initial promising start. With mounting pressure, Nepal must regroup as they prepare for their next challenge against the West Indies.
Key Takeaways
Nepal was bowled out for 123 runs .
Italy chased down the target in just 12.4 overs .
This marked Nepal's second 10-wicket defeat in T20Is.
Rohit Paudel scored 23 runs before his dismissal.
Nepal needs to improve batting consistency moving forward.
Mumbai, Feb 12 (NationPress) After suffering a 10-wicket defeat to Italy in their second match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, Nepal captain Rohit Paudel acknowledged that his team was convincingly outperformed. Paudel stated, “Italy outplayed us today, and our batting was particularly lacking. I believe we missed a chance on that 123-run wicket. Although it was challenging to bat initially, I feel that a score of 123 was achievable.”
Nepal found themselves all out for 123 runs in 19.3 overs, while Italy chased down the target effortlessly, reaching 124 runs in just 12.4 overs without losing a wicket, thanks to an unbroken opening partnership between Justin and Anthony Mosca. This marked Nepal's second 10-wicket defeat in T20 internationals, following a similar loss to the West Indies in 2025.
The Nepalese captain expressed that his side lost control during the middle overs despite a solid start. “We aimed for around 61 or 70 runs, but our batting was poor. We did not respect the conditions, and I played a few rash shots. I believe my wicket was a crucial moment in the game.”
Paudel, who had built a promising partnership after an initial loss, felt that his dismissal shifted the momentum entirely. The skipper scored 23 runs off 14 balls and was looking in good form.
“We started well in the Power-play, but once I got out, everything changed. I think my wicket was the turning point, and we could have performed better,” he remarked.
Entering the match with confidence after an impressive performance against England, Paudel expressed disappointment over the inconsistency. “As a team, we are evolving, and to see the highs against England followed by today's performance is disheartening. A team like ours needs to be more consistent, and today was an opportunity to prove that. However, credit must be given to Italy; they played exceptionally well,” he added.
Following two losses in their opening matches, Nepal will face the West Indies in a crucial match on February 15 at the same venue.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize Nepal's struggle in this match. While the team showed promise in their previous game against England, consistency is key in cricket. This defeat, albeit disappointing, serves as a learning experience for the players. They must regroup and focus on their upcoming challenges while acknowledging Italy's commendable performance.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of the match between Nepal and Italy?
Nepal scored 123 runs and was bowled out in 19.3 overs, while Italy successfully chased the target, scoring 124 runs without losing a wicket.
Who is the captain of the Nepal cricket team?
The captain of the Nepal cricket team is Rohit Paudel.
When will Nepal play their next match?
Nepal will face the West Indies in a crucial match on February 15 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
How did Nepal perform in their previous match?
Nepal entered this match high on confidence after a strong performance against England.
What did Rohit Paudel say about the match?
Rohit Paudel admitted that Italy outplayed them and highlighted the need for improved batting consistency.
