Historic Win: Italy Crush Nepal by 10 Wickets in T20 WC

History in Mumbai! Italy secured their first-ever T20 World Cup victory with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing of Nepal. After spinners Crishan Kalugamage (3/18) and Ben Manenti (2/9) restricted Nepal to 123, brothers Anthony (62*) and Justin Mosca (60*) chased the target in record time. This historic result cements Italy’s status as the tournament’s "giant-killers" and keeps their dream of a semi-final berth alive.

Spin It to Win It: Italy Script History with 10-Wicket Rout of Nepal.

The Wankhede Stadium, usually a sea of blue for the home team, was painted in a different shade of blue today as Italy recorded their first-ever victory in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. In a performance that will be remembered as the "Miracle in Mumbai," the Italian side dismantled a higher-ranked Nepal by 10 wickets, chasing down 124 with nearly seven overs to spare.

The Spin Trap: Kalugamage and Manenti Rule

Stand-in captain Harry Manenti won a crucial toss and elected to field first—a decision that paid dividends immediately. While Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel (23) tried to stabilise the innings, Italy’s spin-heavy attack proved too deceptive on a grippy Wankhede surface.

Crishan Kalugamage was the star of the show, earning Player of the Match honours for his sensational figures of 3/18. He was ably supported by Ben Manenti (2/9), who opened the bowling with his crafty off-spin, and JJ Smuts (1/22). The trio choked the life out of Nepal's middle order, leaving the Asian side reeling at 123 all out in 19.3 overs.

The "Brothers of Destruction" Finish the Job

If the bowlers set the stage, the openers stole the spotlight. Brothers Anthony and Justin Mosca produced an exhibition of power-hitting that left the massive Nepal fanbase in the stands stunned.

Anthony Mosca was the aggressor, smashing 62 off just 32 balls*, featuring six towering sixes. His younger brother Justin played the perfect foil, finishing unbeaten on 60 off 44 balls*. The duo shared an unbroken 124-run stand—the third-highest opening partnership of the tournament so far—reaching the target in just 12.4 overs.

What This Means for Italy

This isn’t just a win; it’s a statement. For a team making its World Cup debut, beating a seasoned side like Nepal by 10 wickets is extraordinary.

"When we qualified, it was special. But showing the world we can compete at this level... that’s something else," said a jubilant Harry Manenti after the game.

With the "Decks Cleared" for their next challenges, Italy now turns its eyes toward England on February 16. If they can replicate this spin-to-win formula, another upset might be on the cards.

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