In a stunning debut performance at the T20 World Cup, Italy has etched its name in history books. Facing Nepal on Thursday, the Italian side delivered a flawless 10-wicket victory, shattering several records in the process. This marks the associate nation’s first-ever win in the tournament, captivating cricket fans worldwide.
Italy’s bowlers set the tone early, bundling out Nepal for a modest 123 runs in just 19.3 overs. What followed was a masterclass in chasing from the Mosca brothers. Justin Mosca remained unbeaten on 60 off 44 balls, smashing three sixes and five fours. His brother Anthony Mosca outshone with an explosive 62 not out from 32 deliveries, including six massive sixes and three boundaries. Their unbroken 124-run partnership propelled Italy to victory in only 12.4 overs.
This sibling stand now stands as the highest partnership by brothers in T20 World Cup history, eclipsing the previous record of 96 runs set by Pakistan’s Kamran and Umar Akmal in 2014. For Italy, this was their first 10-wicket triumph in T20 cricket altogether.
Nepal, on the other hand, suffered their second such humiliating defeat, the first coming against West Indies in 2025. Only the second time an associate team has won by 10 wickets in the T20 World Cup—the first being Oman’s feat against Papua New Guinea in 2021.
The Mosca duo’s effort also became the third century partnership by associate teams in the tournament. It joins Oman’s 131-run stand by Aqib Ilyas and Jatinder Singh in 2021, and Scotland’s 126 by Michael Jones and George Munsey against Italy in 2026.
Completing a chase of over 120 runs with 44 balls to spare, Italy now ranks third in T20 World Cup history for such feats. West Indies hold the top spot with a 55-ball margin win over the US in 2024, followed by England’s 50-ball victory against Australia in 2021.
Italy’s remarkable debut signals the growing prowess of associate nations, promising more surprises in future editions. Cricket enthusiasts will watch eagerly as this underdog story unfolds.