Italy recorded the first ever victory in their World Cup history when they beat Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, February 12. It was a momentous occasion for the football giants, who are making their Cricket World Cup debut after sealing qualification through the 2025 European qualifiers.
Justin Mosca (60* off 44 balls) and Anthony Mosca (62* off 32 balls) led the charge for Italy as they chased down a modest target of 124. The Mosca brothers were involved in an unbeaten 124 runs off just 76 deliveries, helping Italy record a comprehensive ten goal victory.
The duo showed no mercy to the Nepalese bowlers, going into bat in top-of-the-line gear and bringing up their fifty-run partnership in just four overs. They later completed the 100-run stand in just 64 deliveries, with both batters reaching their half-centuries in emphatic fashion.
Earlier, it was Crishan Kalugamage (3/18) and Ben Manenti (2/9) who played with the ball and restricted Nepal to 123 all out in 19.3 overs. After the historic victory, the entire cricketing fraternity congratulated Italy for their remarkable performance on the world stage.
T20 World Cup: Nepal vs Italy Highlights
“First Cricket World Cup for Italy and first win for them, against a team also ranked 10 places higher. Italy did it comprehensively by 10 wickets. Biggest win of this World Cup so far #ICCMensT20. Well done Italy,” former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop wrote on his X account.
“Congratulations to Italy for winning their first World Cup match. So much learning for Nepal,” former India cricketer Irfan Pathan wrote on his X account.
“Up AZZURRI! Great result for Italy and @waynemadders77 #WorldCup2026,” former Pakistan and South Africa coach Mickey Arthur wrote on his X account. Irfan Pathan, Mickey Arthur, X by Ian Bishop (Source: X)
Meanwhile, following their win, Italy are now third in Group C, even ahead of England, thanks to excellent net speed. They will next face the Three Lions on Monday, February 16 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. A win in this match would almost certainly help Italy advance to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
February 12, 2026