Italy made a stunning debut on the cricket World Cup stage, securing their first-ever victory in just their second match at the tournament. At Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, the Italians defeated Nepal by 10 wickets, chasing down a modest target of 124 in just 12.4 overs.
The heroes of Italy’s historic triumph were the bowlers, supported brilliantly by the Muska brothers with the bat. Opening the innings, Justin Muska and Antony Muska dominated the chase from the very first ball. Justin remained unbeaten on 60 off 44 deliveries, striking three sixes, while Antony Muska was even more explosive, scoring 62 not out from 32 balls, including six towering sixes. Their partnership ensured that Italy reached the target comfortably without losing a wicket.
Nepal, who had previously troubled England with a spirited performance, struggled to replicate that form. Electing to field after winning the toss, Nepal could only post 123 all out in 19.3 overs. At one stage, they were 93 for 3 in 13.4 overs, looking competitive, but a collapse orchestrated by Italy’s leg-spinner Krishan Kalugamage changed the game. Kalugamage bowled Dipendra Singh Airee, triggering a dramatic fall of wickets. In his four-over spell, he conceded just 18 runs and claimed three crucial wickets. Off-spinner Ben Manenti was equally economical, taking two wickets for only nine runs in four overs.
For Nepal, Arif Sheikh top-scored with 27 runs, while captain Rohit Paudel contributed 23. Asif Sheikh added 20, but no other batsman could provide the resistance required.
Chasing 124, Italy started aggressively, reaching 50 in just four overs. The pair continued their dominance through the powerplay, putting up 68 runs before consolidating for the win. The Muska brothers brought up the century partnership in 10.5 overs, a remarkable achievement in a high-pressure World Cup debut. Justin reached his fifty in just 37 balls, and Antony in 28 balls, highlighting their ability to dominate Nepal’s bowling attack.
Match Summary:
| Team | Score (Overs) | Top Scorer(s) | Best Bowler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 123 all out (19.3 overs) | Arif Sheikh 27, Paudel 23, Asif 20 | Kalugamage 3/18, Manenti 2/9 |
| Italy | 124/0 (12.4 overs) | Antony Muska 62*, Justin Muska 60* | – |
| Result | Italy won by 10 wickets | – | – |
Italy’s emphatic victory not only marks a milestone for the nation but also demonstrates their growing potential on the world stage. The Muska brothers’ extraordinary performance will be remembered as a defining moment in Italian cricket history, laying a strong foundation for future success in international competitions.