Italy created history on 12 February 2026, securing their first-ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory with a commanding 10-wicket win against Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The heroes of the day were the Mosca brothers, Anthony and Justin, who smashed sensational fifties to guide Italy to a comfortable chase of 124 in just 12.4 overs.
The match began with stand-in captain Harry Manenti opting to field first. Italian bowlers quickly put Nepal under pressure, with spinners controlling the middle overs. Ben Manenti bowled tightly, conceding only nine runs in four overs and taking two wickets, while Crishan Kalugamage dismantled Nepal’s middle order, finishing with three for 18. Nepal, who had nearly beaten England earlier in the tournament, struggled to build partnerships. Only Aarif Sheikh (27) and captain Rohit Paudel offered resistance, as the visitors were bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs.
Chasing a modest target, Anthony and Justin Mosca dominated from the outset. Anthony’s aggressive strokeplay brought up his fifty with a towering six over mid-wicket, while Justin paced his innings perfectly to reach his own half-century. The brothers put on an unbeaten 124-run partnership, completing the win with 44 balls to spare.
This victory is a milestone for Italian cricket, showcasing their potential on the global stage. After losing their opening match against Scotland, Italy is now firmly in contention in Group C. For a country better known for football, this T20 World Cup win could mark the beginning of a new era in Italian cricket.
