• Italy stormed past Nepal securing a thumping historic victory by ten-wickets with 44 balls to spare.

  • Crishan Kalugamage was adjudged Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance.

Fans go berserk as Justin and Anthony Mosca power Italy to a historic win over Nepal in T20 World Cup 2026
Fans go berserk as Justin and Anthony Mosca power Italy to a historic win over Nepal in T20 World Cup 2026 (Image source: X)

The iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai bore witness to a historic cricketing clinical on February 12, 2026, as Italy surged to a commanding 10-wicket victory over Nepal in Match 17 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. In a Group C encounter that many expected to be a gritty subcontinental battle, the Italian side proved their mettle on the global stage, chasing down a target of 124 with such ferocity that fans were left in absolute awe. The win not only secures vital points for the Azzurri but sends a shivering message to the rest of the group: Italy is no longer an underdog; they are a force to be reckoned with.

Italy folds Nepal for a low score in T20 World Cup 2026 match

The evening began with Nepal winning the toss and electing to bat, a decision that initially seemed sound on a surface known for its true bounce. However, the Italian bowling unit, led by the disciplined Ben Manenti (2/9) and the clinical Crishan Kalugamage (3/18), never allowed the “Rhinos” to find their rhythm. Nepal’s innings was a story of missed starts and tactical collapses. Despite a spirited 23 from skipper Rohit Paudel and a late 18 from Karan KC, the Nepali batting lineup crumbled under persistent pressure. They were eventually bundled out for 123 in 19.3 overs, failing to utilize their full quota and leaving their world-class spinners with very little to defend.

Justin and Anthony Mosca’s brotherly blitzkrieg takes Italy to a historic win

What followed in the second innings was nothing short of a batting masterclass. Opening the chase, the Mosca brothers, Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca turned the Wankhede into their personal playground. From the first ball, it was clear that Italy wasn’t just looking to win; they were looking to dominate. The powerplay was an exhibition of clean hitting and surgical precision, as the duo raced to 68 runs in the first six overs, effectively killing the contest before the dew even settled.

Justin anchored the innings with a sophisticated 60* off 44 balls, displaying a range of classic drives and calculated lofts. Meanwhile, Anthony acted as the aggressor, tearing into Nepal’s premier spinner Sandeep Lamichhane. Anthony’s explosive 62 off just 32 deliveries included six towering sixes that cleared the boundary with ease. The synergy between the two was palpable, reaching the 50-run mark in just 24 balls and the century partnership in a mere 65.

The Nepali bowlers, usually so lethal in these conditions, had no answers. Lalit Rajbanshi and Gulsan Jha were taken for expensive overs as the Moscas utilized the pace of the pitch to their advantage. Italy reached the target of 124/0 in just 12.4 overs, winning with 44 balls to spare. This 10-wicket demolition has drastically boosted Italy’s Net Run Rate, making them a serious threat for the knockout stages. As the Italian fans in Mumbai erupted in celebration, it was clear that the Mosca brothers hadn’t just won a match, they had written a new chapter in Italian cricket history.

Also WATCH: Crishan Kalugamage castles Dipendra Singh Airee with a sharp googly in Nepal vs Italy match

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Also READ: Dasun Shanaka and Pavan Rathnayake power Sri Lanka to back-to-back wins with 105-run victory over Oman

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About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .