Italy create history with big Nepal win
Italy created history by defeating Nepal by 10 wickets to record their first win in a men’s World Cup match, producing a clinical display at the Wankhede Stadium.
Both sides entered the fixture with points to prove. Tournament debutants Italy were keen to show they belonged on the global stage, while Nepal were attempting to recover from a narrow opening defeat to England. In a contest between associate nations, Italy controlled proceedings from the outset.
After choosing to field, they combined disciplined bowling with sharp fielding to dismiss Nepal for 123 in 19.3 overs. The chase was emphatic as Italy reached the target in 12.4 overs without losing a wicket, underlining their authority throughout the match.
Nepal’s innings struggled to gather momentum after the early loss of Kushal Bhurtel. Captain Rohit Paudel added urgency with 23 from 14 balls and Aarif Sheikh top scored with 27, but Italy’s spin heavy attack and tidy fielding restricted scoring and ensured regular breakthroughs. Karan KC provided late impetus with 18, yet Nepal fell short of a competitive total.
Leg spinner Crishan Kalugamage led the bowling effort with three wickets, including those of Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee. Off spinner Benjamin Manenti was equally impressive, conceding just nine runs in four overs while taking two wickets.
Italy’s openers then dominated. Anthony Mosca and Justin Mosca matched each other stroke for stroke in an unbroken stand that carried their side to victory. Justin struck 60 not out with five fours and three sixes, while Anthony made an unbeaten 62 from 32 balls with six sixes and three fours.
USA comprehensive against the Netherlands
Elsewhere, the United States secured a comprehensive win over the Netherlands to open their account and claim a first ever T20I victory against the Dutch. Defending 197, the USA struck early and removed three wickets in the powerplay. Nosthush Kenjige and Harmeet Singh set the tone, with Harmeet finishing with 4 for 21. Shadley van Schalkwyk and Mohammad Mohsin provided strong support.
Earlier, the USA top order had laid the platform. Shayan Jahangir and captain Monank Patel made brisk starts before Saiteja Mukkamalla struck 76 from 51 balls on his tournament debut. Shubham Ranjane added 48 from 24 to lift the total to 196 for 6, with Bas de Leede taking 3 for 37 in reply.
UAE register their first win
The United Arab Emirates registered their first win of the tournament with a comeback victory over Canada. Chasing 151, UAE recovered from 66 for 4 to win by five wickets with two balls remaining. Aryansh Sharma made 74 not out and Sohaib Khan 51 in an 84 run partnership. Earlier, Junaid Siddique claimed 5 for 35 to restrict Canada to 150 for 7 despite a 51 from Harsh Thaker.
South Africa triumph in marquee Group D clash
South Africa remained unbeaten after defeating New Zealand in Ahmedabad. New Zealand posted 175 for 7 with Mark Chapman making 48 and Daryl Mitchell 32, but Marco Jansen led the bowling with 4 for 40. In response, Aiden Markram struck an unbeaten 86 from 44 balls as South Africa chased the target comfortably with contributions from Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis and David Miller.
Ireland in the hunt with Oman win
In Colombo, Ireland recorded a 96 run victory over Oman after posting the highest total of the tournament. Recovering from 64 for 4, Ireland surged to 235 for 5 with captain Lorcan Tucker scoring 94 not out and Gareth Delany 56. Oman began brightly with a 73 run stand between Aamir Kaleem and Hammad Mirza, but collapsed to 139 all out as Josh Little took 3 for 16 and Matthew Humphreys and Ben McCarthy each claimed two wickets.