MUMBAI (Dunya News) – Italy registered a commanding 10-wicket victory over Nepal in the 17th match of the T20 World Cup, chasing down a target of 124 in just 12.4 overs at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
The chase was completed with 44 balls remaining as Italy’s openers produced a flawless batting display to seal one of the most dominant wins of the group stage.
After winning the toss and choosing to field, Italy’s bowlers delivered a tight and disciplined performance to bowl Nepal out for 123 in 19.3 overs. The modest target never looked enough once Italy’s top order took control of the run chase from the outset.
NEPAL INNINGS
Nepal lost an early wicket when Kushal Bhurtel was dismissed in the second over for five runs. The early blow put pressure on the batting side, forcing a rebuild during the powerplay overs.
Captain Rohit Paudel and Aasif Sheikh responded with a counterattacking stand, adding 41 runs from 30 balls. Paudel scored 23 off 14 deliveries, while Aasif Sheikh made 20 off 20 balls. Their partnership pushed Nepal to 46 by the end of the powerplay before Italy struck twice in quick succession to regain control.
Dipendra Singh Airee and Aarif Sheikh then added another 41-run partnership in the middle overs, largely through strike rotation. Aarif Sheikh top scored with 27 from 24 balls and hit three boundaries, helping Nepal move past the 100-run mark. Late runs from Karan KC, who remained unbeaten on 18 from 11 balls, carried the total to 123 before the innings closed with three balls unused.
Crishan Kalugamage led the bowling effort with three wickets for 18 runs in four overs. Benjamin Manenti picked up two wickets for nine runs, while Jaspreet Singh chipped in with one wicket in 3.3 overs. JJ Smuts and Ali Hasan also claimed a wicket each.
ITALY'S CHASE
Italy’s reply was swift and emphatic. Openers Anthony Mosca and Justin Mosca made sure there were no early nerves, putting together an unbroken opening partnership that took the match away from Nepal.
Anthony Mosca attacked from the start, finishing unbeaten on 62 from 32 balls, while Justin Mosca anchored the chase with a steady 60 not out from 44 deliveries. The pair combined controlled strokeplay with aggressive boundary hitting, keeping the required rate comfortably in check throughout.
Nepal’s bowlers struggled to create chances or apply sustained pressure. Nandan Yadav conceded 12 runs in his only over, Kushal Bhurtel gave away 15 in two overs, and Lalit Rajbanshi also went for 15 in one over, but no wickets fell during the chase.
Italy reached 124 without loss in 12.4 overs to complete a comprehensive win and collect full points from the group stage fixture.