Toss and Nepal's Innings Breakdown
Italy captain won the toss and chose to field at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on February 12, 2026. Nepal started solidly with a powerplay of 45/1 but disintegrated to 123 all out in 19.3 overs. Rohit Paudel scored 23 off 14 (2 sixes), Aarif Sheikh 27 off 24 (3 fours), and Karan KC unbeaten 18 off 11 (1 four, 1 six). Crishan Kalugamage's devastating 3/18 turned the game: Paudel caught long-on off a full toss, Dipendra Singh Airee bowled by a googly ("helluva delivery"), Gulsan Jha caught long-on. Ben Manenti supported with 2/9, including Aasif Sheikh stumping for 20 off 20. The collapse saw 7 wickets fall for 30 runs from 93/3, with powerplay 45/1, drinks scores at 46/1 and 93/4, 50 in 7.4 overs, and 100 in 15.3. Commentary praised sharp keeping and variations exploiting middle-order fragility.
Italy's Dominant and Flawless Chase
Italy chased effortlessly to 124/0 in 12.4 overs for a 10-wicket win with 44 balls remaining—their first in T20 World Cup history. The Mosca brothers dominated an unbroken opening partnership of 124 runs. Anthony Mosca blasted 62* off 32 (3 fours, 6 sixes, fifty off 28), while Justin Mosca scored 60* off 44 (5 fours, 3 sixes, fifty off 37). Powerplay exploded to 68/0, with 50 partnership in 3.6 overs (24 balls) and 100 in 10.5 (65 balls). Nepal's bowling offered little resistance: Dipendra Singh Airee 3.4-0-24-0, Sandeep Lamichhane 3-0-31-0. The chase was described as "remarkable" and "un momento storico" in commentary, showcasing fearless strokeplay and clean hitting.
Player of the Match, Statistics, and Historic Impact
Crishan Kalugamage earned Player of the Match for his match-turning 3/18 (economy 4.50), with Cricinfo MVP 71.75 points reflecting pivotal contributions. Key stats: Nepal run rate 6.30 vs Italy 9.78; powerplay Nepal 45/1 vs Italy 68/0; fall of wickets clustered for Nepal. Italy's historic breakthrough secured 2 points in Group C, signaling associate potential. Nepal's middle-order fragility was exposed against disciplined bowling. The emphatic margin and flawless chase defined a landmark day for Italian cricket on the global stage.
Vibe View: The vibe of Italy's 10-wicket rout of Nepal is clinical associate triumph mixed historic breakthrough joy—like emerging side delivering statement dominance vibe exhilarating upset energy, you know? Nepal promising 93/3 collapse all out 123 Kalugamage 3/18 Manenti 2/9 vibe bowling strangle vibe disciplined containment thrill. Mosca brothers Anthony 62* Justin 60* unbeaten 124 vibe explosive partnership vibe aggressive flawless chase. Powerplay 68/0 vs Nepal 45/1 vibe early contrast vibe tone-setting superiority. Player Match Kalugamage vibe deserved bowling hero vibe pivotal impact recognition. 44 balls spare 10 wickets vibe emphatic comprehensive vibe no-contest satisfaction. Historic first World Cup win Wankhede vibe landmark celebration vibe proud milestone. Overall vibe confidence surge group positioning vibe positive emerging strength diverse associates. Positive vibe entertaining upsets diverse T20 landscapes. It's that lingering vibe composure firepower intertwined where disciplined performance secures emphatic wins diverse group stages. Hoping vibe carries Italy deeper surprises.
TL;DR
- Italy achieved a 10-wicket victory with 44 balls remaining at Wankhede, Mumbai, on February 12, 2026.
- Nepal were bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs.
- Crishan Kalugamage took 3 wickets for 18 runs and was named Player of the Match.
- Ben Manenti claimed 2 wickets for 9 runs with key contributions.
- Aarif Sheikh scored 27, Rohit Paudel 23, and Karan KC remained unbeaten on 18 for Nepal.
- Italy reached 124/0 with Anthony Mosca unbeaten on 62 and Justin Mosca unbeaten on 60.
- Nepal's powerplay was 45/1 while Italy's was 68/0.
- Italy reached 50 in 3.6 overs and 100 in 10.5 overs.
- Italy did not lose any wickets in the chase.
- Italy earned 2 points while Nepal earned 0 in Group C.
