T20 World Cup: Italy dismantle Nepal for first World Cup win

In only their second World Cup outing, Italy claimed a clinical first win, silencing a largely Nepal-supporting crowd in Mumbai.

After the bowlers restricted Nepal effectively on a worn surface, Italy’s opening pair, the Sydney-raised brothers, Justin and Anthony Mosca, then rampaged to the target on their own, both notching half-centuries to seal victory with more than seven overs to spare.

Nepal, having run England so close in their opening match, came in as the favoured side – in terms of both their pedigree at global events and the backing in the stands.

But they struggled to get going with the bat after being inserted, with Aasif Sheikh’s 27 off 24 the top score of an underpowered effort. Italy’s spin attack were superb, Crishan Kalugamage, Ben Manenti and JJ Smuts claiming combined figures of 6 for 49 from their 12 overs.

Needing to score at little more than a run a ball, Italy were in no mood to get bogged down. Anthony Mosca hammered his second ball for a towering six over midwicket and, after a slower start, Justin soon joined his brother in targeting the boundary.

Justin was the first to 50, from 37 balls, with Anthony bringing up the milestone from just 28 balls with another blazing slog-sweep moments later. It was Anthony who completed the Italian job with a single into the covers to spark jubilation on the sidelines. (ESPNcricinfo)