Mumbai- Nepal suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat against Italy in their second Group C match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, effectively ending their hopes of progressing to the Super Eight stage.
Chasing a modest target of 124 runs, Italy reached the total in just 12.4 overs without losing a wicket. Anthony Mosca and Justin Mosca stitched together an unbeaten century partnership, sealing Italy’s first-ever victory in T20 World Cup history. It was also the first time Nepal has lost by 10 wickets in a T20 World Cup match.
Nepal, who had earlier lost a narrow four-run contest against England, now remain without a point after two consecutive defeats. Italy, the only debutant side in this edition, had lost to Scotland in their opening match but bounced back emphatically.
Mosca Brothers Dominate Chase
Italy made an explosive start, scoring 68 runs in the six-over powerplay. The Mosca brothers maintained relentless pressure on Nepal’s bowlers and completed their half-centuries in the 11th over. Justin Mosca took a single off the fourth ball of Sandeep Lamichhane’s over to bring up his fifty, while Anthony Mosca followed with a six on the next delivery to reach his milestone.
Their aggressive yet controlled batting dismantled Nepal’s bowling attack and ensured a comfortable victory.
Nepal Collapse Against Spin
Earlier, Nepal were bowled out for 123 runs in 19.3 overs after being put in to bat at the Wankhede Stadium. Nepali batters struggled against disciplined Italian spin bowling and failed to play out the full 20 overs.
Arif Sheikh top-scored with 27 runs, while captain Rohit Poudel made 23 off 14 balls, hitting two sixes. Asif Sheikh contributed 20 runs, and Karan KC remained unbeaten on 18 in a late cameo. Vice-captain Deependra Singh Airi scored 17 runs.
Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Lokesh Bam, who had impressed against England, failed to deliver. Bhurtel was dismissed for 5 with Nepal at just 8 runs. Rohit and Asif briefly stabilised the innings with a 41-run partnership, but both fell when the score reached 49.
Deependra and Arif added 44 runs for the fourth wicket before wickets fell at regular intervals. Nepal lost two wickets in the 17th over, including a run-out of Nandan Yadav without scoring. A 21-run stand between Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane provided some resistance, but the total remained well below par.
Italian Spinners Shine
Italy’s spin attack dominated proceedings, claiming six wickets collectively. Leg-spinner Chrisan Kalugamage was the standout performer with 3 wickets for 18 runs in four overs. Off-spinner Benjamin Manenti impressed with figures of 2 for 9 in four overs, marking his best T20I performance to date. JJ Smuts chipped in with one wicket, while pacers Ali Hasan and Jasprit Ali took one wicket each.
Italy were led by Harry Manenti in this match after regular captain Wayne Madsen was ruled out due to injury sustained in the first game.
Nepal, who had earned global praise for their spirited performance against England, were unable to replicate that intensity against Italy. The heavy defeat now leaves them with only pride to play for in the remaining group fixtures.
