Crishan Kalugamage once feared his cricketing dream had faded among the wood-fired ovens of Tuscany. On 12 February 2026, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the leg-spinner delivered a spell to remember, guiding Italy to their first-ever T20 World Cup victory with a match-winning performance against Nepal.
Italy’s stand-in captain Harry Manenti revealed after the game that 12 of the 15 squad members work outside cricket. Kalugamage, he noted, earns his living making pizzas. Coach John Davison joked that tossing dough may be the secret behind his ability to spin the ball both ways.
A decisive spell in Mumbai
Against a Nepal side that had troubled England earlier in the tournament, Italy were considered clear underdogs. However, Kalugamage produced a superb spell of three for 18, dismantling Nepal’s middle order and restricting them to 123.
Italy’s chase was emphatic. Anthony and Justin Mosca struck unbeaten half-centuries in a commanding 124-run opening partnership, sealing a 10-wicket win and marking a watershed moment for Italian cricket.
From Negombo to Lucca
Kalugamage’s journey began in Negombo, Sri Lanka, where he idolised greats such as Aravinda de Silva. His family relocated to Italy in 2007, a move that temporarily stalled his cricketing ambitions. For years, he balanced gruelling restaurant shifts with informal tennis-ball matches in parks and car parks.
He eventually joined Roma Cricket Club, often sacrificing jobs because he refused to work Sundays — match day. Initially a pace bowler, injuries forced him to reinvent himself as a leg-spinner in 2021. Under Davison’s guidance, he developed into a skilful operator with a deceptive googly.
Now a key figure in a multicultural Italian side made up of players juggling everyday professions, Kalugamage’s story symbolises resilience. From kneading dough in Lucca to weaving spells on the world stage, he has helped serve Italy a slice of cricketing history.
