The iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai bore witness to a historic cricketing clinical on February 12, 2026, as Italy surged to a commanding 10-wicket victory over Nepal in Match 17 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. In a Group C encounter that many expected to be a gritty subcontinental battle, the Italian side proved their mettle on the global stage, chasing down a target of 124 with such ferocity that fans were left in absolute awe. The win not only secures vital points for the Azzurri but sends a shivering message to the rest of the group: Italy is no longer an underdog; they are a force to be reckoned with.
Italy folds Nepal for a low score in T20 World Cup 2026 match
The evening began with Nepal winning the toss and electing to bat, a decision that initially seemed sound on a surface known for its true bounce. However, the Italian bowling unit, led by the disciplined Ben Manenti (2/9) and the clinical Crishan Kalugamage (3/18), never allowed the “Rhinos” to find their rhythm. Nepal’s innings was a story of missed starts and tactical collapses. Despite a spirited 23 from skipper Rohit Paudel and a late 18 from Karan KC, the Nepali batting lineup crumbled under persistent pressure. They were eventually bundled out for 123 in 19.3 overs, failing to utilize their full quota and leaving their world-class spinners with very little to defend.
Justin and Anthony Mosca’s brotherly blitzkrieg takes Italy to a historic win
What followed in the second innings was nothing short of a batting masterclass. Opening the chase, the Mosca brothers, Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca turned the Wankhede into their personal playground. From the first ball, it was clear that Italy wasn’t just looking to win; they were looking to dominate. The powerplay was an exhibition of clean hitting and surgical precision, as the duo raced to 68 runs in the first six overs, effectively killing the contest before the dew even settled.
Justin anchored the innings with a sophisticated 60* off 44 balls, displaying a range of classic drives and calculated lofts. Meanwhile, Anthony acted as the aggressor, tearing into Nepal’s premier spinner Sandeep Lamichhane. Anthony’s explosive 62 off just 32 deliveries included six towering sixes that cleared the boundary with ease. The synergy between the two was palpable, reaching the 50-run mark in just 24 balls and the century partnership in a mere 65.
The Nepali bowlers, usually so lethal in these conditions, had no answers. Lalit Rajbanshi and Gulsan Jha were taken for expensive overs as the Moscas utilized the pace of the pitch to their advantage. Italy reached the target of 124/0 in just 12.4 overs, winning with 44 balls to spare. This 10-wicket demolition has drastically boosted Italy’s Net Run Rate, making them a serious threat for the knockout stages. As the Italian fans in Mumbai erupted in celebration, it was clear that the Mosca brothers hadn’t just won a match, they had written a new chapter in Italian cricket history.
Also WATCH: Crishan Kalugamage castles Dipendra Singh Airee with a sharp googly in Nepal vs Italy match
Here’s how fans reacted:
Congratulations to Italy for winning the first World Cup game. So much learning for Nepal.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 12, 2026
Historic WIN for ITALY at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 🏏🔥
Scorecard: https://t.co/f3ntHUJZPS#cricket #NEPvITA #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/JjGOXanuXm
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 12, 2026
ITALY STUN NEPAL WITH 10-WICKET Win 🔥
Mosca brothers — Justin & Anthony, Sydney-born Italy openers — make headlines T20 WC 2026 with a historic win.Anthony the carpenter 🪚 & Justin the PE teacher 🏃♂️ turning passion into pure cricketing magic. 👏#T20WC2026 #Cricket#NEPvsITA pic.twitter.com/p9yUROTHpj
— Liza Ray | Follow Now (@krish99199) February 12, 2026
🚨 Italy Wrote history in the
Wankhede stadium 🚨⭐ Italy Beat Nepal by 10 wickets in the t20WC⭐
Both brothers J Mosca and A Mosca
Are the stars for Italy.Famous win for them.
What a moment for them.
Representing the country in cricket.#NEPvsITA #T20WorldCup2026…— JJAY (@jpchordiya_5) February 12, 2026
A big congratulations to the Italian team @ItalyCricket for their first win this t20wc. Bowlers did their job by restricting @CricketNep on 123. Breathtaking bowling from Crishan and Benjamin. An absolute fire performance from the Mosca brothers.#T20WorldCup2026 #NEPvsITA pic.twitter.com/CW3O5Cm4ti
— Raj Vardhan Singh (@IAm_RajVardhan) February 12, 2026
Mosca Brothers vs Nepal today 🤜🏼💥🤛🏼
Italy beats Nepal by 10 wickets 44 balls to spare🗣️
A famous triumph for Italy as they notch up their first-ever #T20WorldCup win 👏#T20WorldCup2026 #NEPvsITA #Nepal #Italy #NEPvsITA pic.twitter.com/VaUe6TJsX9
— Rakeshchandra Yadav 🇮🇳 (@rakeshchandray2) February 12, 2026
The Mosca brothers finish it in style! 🇮🇹🔥
A commanding 10-wicket win over Nepal as Italy sealed their first-ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory 👏 #NEPvsITA #T20WorldCup2026 #T20WorldCuppic.twitter.com/zUofjqcRoy
— Pahari Pulse (@paharipulse) February 12, 2026
🚨 Italy Wrote history in the
Wankhede stadium 🚨⭐ Italy Beat Nepal by 10 wickets in the t20WC⭐
Both brothers J Mosca and A Mosca
Are the stars for Italy.Famous win for them.
What a moment for them.
Representing the country in cricket.#NEPvsITA #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/BjNroNWyqc— Manakdeep Singh Kharaud (@Iam_MKharaud) February 12, 2026
Italy registers their first ever victory in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup beating Nepal by 10 wickets.
The Mosca brothers chased the target of 124 without losing a wicket#T20WorldCup #NEPvsITA pic.twitter.com/LCkGTY7ksI— Aryan (@chinchat09) February 12, 2026
MOSCA BROTHERS: CARPENTER & TEACHER DESTROY NEPAL!
History has been made in Wankhede Mumbai! Anthony and Justin Mosca just recorded the first-ever 100-run partnership by brothers in T20 World Cup history. Italy stunned Nepal by 10 wickets, chasing 124 in just 12.4 overs!
But… pic.twitter.com/UomnVbwLFF
— Rishi Nayak (@SilentThe41134) February 12, 2026
Big Moment for @ItalyCricket won their first @T20WorldCup match in their debut campaign by beating Nepal by 10 Wickets, Mosca Brothers Demolished Nepalese Bowlers in and out at Wankhede Stadium. #T20WorldCup2026 https://t.co/Y2AcMas9zs
— Shivam Sharma (@OffShivamSharma) February 12, 2026
Mosca Chosca brothers make Italy 🇮🇹 proud in Cricket 🏏 pic.twitter.com/uo4R6l2r3D
— ଦୁର୍ଭାଗ୍ୟଗ୍ରସ୍ତ (@Utkala_Kalinga) February 12, 2026
Mosca Brothers Lead 10 wicket Victory for Italy against Nepal!!
Historic from Italy 🇮🇹 💥💥💥#T20WorldCup2026pic.twitter.com/RbAEm7S3nv— baddhakist_thelazygenius (@BaddhakistT) February 12, 2026
