Italy claimed their first victory in T20 World Cup history as brothers Justin and Anthony Mosca struck unbeaten half-centuries in a dominant 10-wicket win over Nepal in Mumbai. The debutants chased down a target of 124 with 44 balls to spare, with Justin hitting 60 and Anthony 62 to become the first brothers to score fifties in the same match at a T20 World Cup.
Italy opted to bowl first and were rewarded as spinners Crishan Kalugamage (3-18) and Benjamin Manenti (2-9) restricted Nepal to just 123. Kalugamage, named player of the match, dismissed captain Rohit Paudel for 23. The Italian openers then attacked from the outset, with Justin Mosca hitting three sixes and three fours as the team reached 50 without loss in four overs.
Playing without captain Wayne Madsen, who dislocated his shoulder against Scotland, Italy sealed victory in the 13th over. Kalugamage, a Sri Lankan-born pizza baker, said it was a massive moment for him after many sacrifices. Italy will next face former champions England in Kolkata on Monday.
In other matches, India cruised to a 93-run win over Namibia in Delhi, bowling the Africans out for 116 after posting 209 for nine. Ishan Kishan smashed 61 off 24 balls and Hardik Pandya added 52 from 28, while leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy took three for seven.
Sri Lanka made it two wins from two with a 105-run victory over Oman, racking up a tournament-high 225 for five. Pavan Rathnayake scored 60 off 28 balls and skipper Dasun Shanaka made 50 from 20 deliveries, before Oman were dismissed for 120.
