By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Feb 12, 2026 18:07 PM • 25 views
MUMBAI – In a result that has sent shockwaves through Group C of the ICC T20 World Cup, tournament debutants Italy etched their names into the history books with a clinical 10-wicket demolition of Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium. For the Rhinos, who arrived in Mumbai on a wave of optimism, the afternoon was a sobering reminder of the sport's unpredictability.
Just days after pushing England to the final ball in a four-run thriller, Nepal looked a shadow of itself. The defeat not only deflated a partisan crowd in Mumbai but also left their aspirations for a Super Eight spot hanging by a thread.
The Mosca Masterclass
Chasing a modest target of 124, the Italian opening pair—brothers Anthony and Justin Mosca—turned the chase into a statement of intent. The duo dismantled the Nepalese attack with surgical precision, reaching the target in just 12.4 overs.
Anthony Mosca: 62* off 32 balls (6 sixes, 3 fours)
Justin Mosca: 60* off 44 balls (3 sixes, 5 fours)
Their unbeaten 124-run stand set a new T20 World Cup record for the highest partnership by a sibling pair, surpassing the long-standing record held by Pakistan's Akmal brothers.
A Batting Nightmare for the Rhinos
Earlier in the day, after Italy won the toss and opted to bowl, Nepal’s innings never found its rhythm. On a surface where 123 was always going to be sub-par, the Nepalese batters struggled against the spin of Crishan Kalugamage (3/18) and Ben Manenti (2/9).
The middle order proved particularly fragile, collapsing from a somewhat stable position of 93/3 to 123 all out in 19.3 overs. The tail offered little resistance, with two run-outs (Nandan Yadav and Lalit Rajbanshi) highlighting a lack of communication and mounting pressure.
The Road Ahead
This historic maiden win for Italy catapults them into the conversation for Group C progression, while Nepal now faces a mathematical uphill battle. With the "Sea of Red" supporters left silenced at the Wankhede, the Nepalese management faces tough questions regarding their tactical approach and the decision to hold back premier spinner Sandeep Lamichhane during the initial Italian onslaught.
"We simply didn't show up today," a disappointed captain Rohit Paudel remarked post-match. "To lose by 10 wickets after such a close game against England is hard to take. We have to regroup immediately."
