Mosca Brothers Power Italy to Historic 10-Wicket World Cup Win Over Nepal

Italy registered their first-ever victory at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup with a commanding 10-wicket demolition of Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium.

After choosing to bowl, Italy’s spinners set the tone on a worn surface, restricting Nepal to 123 all out in 18.5 overs. Crishan Kalugamage led the charge with a superb 3 for 18, including the key wicket of Dipendra Singh Airee. Ben Manenti and JJ Smuts provided outstanding support as the trio combined for 6 for 49 from 12 overs, strangling Nepal through the middle phase.

Nepal never fully recovered after slipping to 10 for 1 early. Aasif Sheikh top-scored with 27 off 24 balls, while a 44-run stand between Aarif Sheikh and Airee briefly steadied the innings. However, a collapse from 93 for 3 to 102 for 8 ended hopes of a competitive total.

In reply, Italy’s opening pair, brothers Anthony and Justin Mosca, produced a breathtaking unbeaten stand of 124 — the highest partnership between siblings in men’s T20 internationals. Anthony Mosca blasted 62 not out from just 28 balls, striking multiple sixes and reaching his half-century in 28 deliveries. Justin Mosca anchored the chase with 60 not out off 37 balls, bringing up his fifty in 37 deliveries.

Italy raced to 68 without loss in the powerplay and sealed victory in just 12.5 overs, finishing on 124 for 0 with more than seven overs to spare.

The emphatic win marked a breakthrough moment for Italy on the global stage and dramatically boosted their net run rate in the tournament.