Italy produced a historic performance to defeat Nepal by 10 wickets in Match 17 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, the Azzurri delivered a disciplined effort to restrict Nepal to 123 in 19.3 overs. The chase that followed was nothing short of extraordinary, as the Mosca brothers stitched together an unbeaten opening stand to seal victory in just 12.4 overs. The comprehensive win marked one of Italy’s most memorable moments on the global T20 stage.

Nepal began steadily but struggled to convert starts into significant contributions. Kushal Bhurtel fell early, and although captain Rohit Paudel played an aggressive cameo of 23 off 14 balls, wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Aarif Sheikh’s 27 provided brief resistance, while Karan KC’s late unbeaten 18 pushed the total past 120. However, Italy’s bowlers maintained control throughout, never allowing Nepal to build sustained partnerships during the middle overs of the innings.

Crishan Kalugamage starred with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets and dismantling Nepal’s middle order. Ben Manenti was equally impressive, conceding just nine runs in his four overs while picking up two wickets. JJ Smuts and Jaspreet Singh also chipped in, ensuring Nepal never gained momentum. Italy’s collective bowling display highlighted their tactical discipline and sharp execution under pressure, setting the stage perfectly for a confident chase.

See Also: Know story of opening brothers Justin and Anthony Mosca featuring for Italy in T20 World Cup 2026

Mosca Brothers Seal Historic Chase

In response, Italy’s opening pair of Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca produced a flawless batting exhibition. The duo approached the target with composure and calculated aggression, taking full advantage of the powerplay. By the end of six overs, Italy had raced to 68 without loss, effectively putting the contest beyond Nepal’s reach. Their clean hitting and smart strike rotation left the Nepal bowlers searching for answers on a surface that offered little assistance.

Justin Mosca anchored the innings with an unbeaten 60 off 44 balls, while Anthony Mosca played the aggressor, smashing 62 from just 32 deliveries, including six towering sixes. The pair completed a dominant 124-run partnership, chasing down the target without losing a wicket. Italy’s emphatic victory not only boosted their campaign but also underscored their growing confidence and capability to compete strongly at the highest level of T20 cricket.

Top Performances

Crishan Kalugamage set the tone with a superb spell, claiming 3 for 18 and breaking Nepal’s middle order at crucial intervals, while Ben Manenti’s miserly 2 for 9 in four overs choked the scoring rate. However, the standout display came from the Mosca brothers in the chase. Justin Mosca’s composed unbeaten 60 anchored the innings, and Anthony Mosca’s explosive 62 off 32 balls dismantled the bowling attack. Their flawless 124-run opening partnership ensured Italy sealed a dominant 10-wicket victory in emphatic fashion.

Key Moments

Nepal’s innings lost momentum when Rohit Paudel fell at 49-2 after a brisk start, triggering a middle-order collapse led by Kalugamage’s triple strike. Ben Manenti’s economical spell during the powerplay further restricted scoring opportunities. In reply, Italy’s rapid start—68 runs in the first six overs—shifted complete control to the chasing side. Anthony Mosca’s early six-hitting spree broke Nepal’s resistance, and as the partnership crossed fifty without loss, the result became inevitable, sealing a historic win for Italy.

Brief Score:

Nepal – 123 all out (19.3 overs)
Karan KC 18*; Crishan Kalugamage 3/18, Ben Manenti 2/9

Italy – 124/0 (12.4 overs)
Justin Mosca 60*, Anthony Mosca 62* — Italy won by 10 wickets