Cricket witnessed a fairy-tale moment as Italy claimed their maiden T20 World Cup win against Nepal, rewriting the record books with a comprehensive 10-wicket rout. The match, played on Thursday, showcased the Mosca brothers’ brilliance in a chase that left spectators in awe.
Nepal’s innings folded for 123 in 19.3 overs under Italy’s disciplined bowling attack. In response, openers Justin and Anthony Mosca took charge. Justin’s 60 not out came off 44 balls with flair—five fours and three sixes—while Anthony’s 62 off 32 balls featured six sixes and three fours, sealing the deal in 12.4 overs.
Their 124-run unbeaten alliance is now the pinnacle for brotherly partnerships in T20 World Cups, surpassing Kamran and Umar Akmal’s 96 from 2014. This victory is Italy’s inaugural 10-wicket win in T20s, and Nepal’s second loss by that margin, after a 2025 drubbing by West Indies.
Associate teams have now achieved this rare 10-wicket win twice in T20 World Cup history, with Oman preceding Italy against PNG in 2021. The Moscas’ stand marks the third ton-up partnership from associates, following Oman’s 131 (Aqib Ilyas-Jatinder Singh, 2021) and Scotland’s 126 (Jones-Munsey vs Italy, 2026).
Italy’s chase, finished with 44 balls remaining on a 124 target, places third in T20 WC annals for chases over 120. West Indies (55 balls vs US, 2024) and England (50 balls vs Aus, 2021) lead the list.
This triumph underscores Italy’s rapid rise, blending grit and talent. As associate cricket gains momentum, Italy’s debut sets a high bar for what’s possible on the global stage.