Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Italy after they registered their first-ever win in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The newcomers stunned Nepal with a dominant 10-wicket victory in the 2026 tournament at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
Sachin Tendulkar for Italy
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sachin praised the achievement. “Congratulations to Italy on their first-ever T20 World Cup win, and in such commanding fashion! A proud footballing nation making its mark in cricket reminds us how beautifully the game is spreading across the globe,” he wrote after the match.
Italy vs Nepal match report
Italy’s decision to bowl first turned out to be a smart one. Their spinners kept things tight and didn’t allow Nepal to build partnerships. Crishan Kalugamage was impressive with figures of 3 for 18, while Benjamin Manenti chipped in with 2 for 9. Kalugamage, who was later named Player of the Match, also removed Nepal captain Rohit Paudel for 23 runs. Nepal eventually managed 123 runs, which looked below par on a good batting surface.
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Despite missing their captain, Wayne Madsen, who dislocated his shoulder in the previous game against Scotland, Italy came out with positive intent while chasing. Openers Justin Mosca and Anthony took control right from the start. Mosca smashed three sixes and three fours as Italy raced to 50 without loss in just four overs.
Mosca brought up his half-century in the 11th over off 37 balls. On the very next delivery, Anthony cleared the ropes to reach his own fifty. The chase was wrapped up in style when Anthony hit the winning run through the covers. Italy finished at 124 for no loss in just 12.4 overs, sparking celebrations as teammates ran onto the field to mark a historic moment.
Italy will now take on former champions England in their next match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday.