Italy Beats Nepal in T20 World Cup Match

Italy has won a big T20 World Cup game against Nepal. They won by 10 wickets. Crishan Kalugamage, who makes pizza, was the best player. This is a very special win for Italy.
By Newsroom | Cricket, Italy |

Italy has achieved a landmark victory in the T20 World Cup, defeating Nepal by 10 wickets in a dominant performance. This marks Italy's first-ever win in the tournament, a significant moment for the national team. The match, held in Mumbai, saw Italy's bowlers restrict Nepal to a low score, followed by an exceptional batting display from their openers to secure the win with ease.

Meet Crishan Kalugamage: Tuscany's Pizza boy turns Hero with Player of the Match performance in Italy's 10-Wicket historic win vs Nepal in T20 WC 2026 - 1

The Unexpected Hero: Crishan Kalugamage

While the batting brilliance of Justin and Anthony Mosca secured the victory, Crishan Kalugamage, a Sri Lanka-born leg-spinner who works as a pizza maker, was recognized as the Player of the Match. His contribution with the ball was instrumental in limiting Nepal's scoring opportunities. Kalugamage's journey to this moment is one of dedication, balancing a demanding profession with his passion for cricket.

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Meet Crishan Kalugamage: Tuscany's Pizza boy turns Hero with Player of the Match performance in Italy's 10-Wicket historic win vs Nepal in T20 WC 2026 - 2

"When he's not busy hand-tossing dough at the pizzeria he works at in Lucca, in the heart of Tuscany, he's giving the ball a rip on an astroturf ground in Rome, fine-tuning his legspin with the same precision."

Italy's Path to a Historic Win

Italy's campaign in the T20 World Cup has been characterized by perseverance. This win against Nepal, a more experienced side, represents a significant achievement. The team's tactical approach and individual performances culminated in this memorable day.

Meet Crishan Kalugamage: Tuscany's Pizza boy turns Hero with Player of the Match performance in Italy's 10-Wicket historic win vs Nepal in T20 WC 2026 - 3

The Nepal Innings: A Defensive Effort

Nepal, batting first after winning the toss, struggled to build momentum against Italy's disciplined bowling attack.

Meet Crishan Kalugamage: Tuscany's Pizza boy turns Hero with Player of the Match performance in Italy's 10-Wicket historic win vs Nepal in T20 WC 2026 - 4

  • Nepal was restricted to 123 runs in 19.3 overs.

  • Key Italian bowlers applied pressure throughout the innings.

  • While Rohit Paudel (23 off 14 balls) and Aarif Sheikh (27 runs) showed resilience, they couldn't post a challenging total.

Italy's Clinical Chase

Italy's batting response was swift and decisive, demonstrating a clear game plan to chase down the target.

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  • Justin Mosca scored an unbeaten 60 off 44 balls.

  • Anthony Mosca registered an unbeaten 62 off 32 balls.

  • The opening pair achieved the target in just 12.4 overs, securing a 10-wicket victory.

  • The Mosca brothers achieved their half-centuries efficiently, adding over 50 runs within the first four overs.

Kalugamage's Dual Life: Pizza Maker to World Cup Player

Crishan Kalugamage's story highlights a unique blend of professional commitment and sporting ambition. His background adds a compelling narrative to Italy's success.

  • Kalugamage moved to Italy from Sri Lanka as a teenager, nearly two decades ago.

  • He works at a pizzeria in Lucca, Tuscany, a profession he balances with his cricket training.

  • His dedication to cricket involves practicing on astroturf grounds in Rome.

  • He acknowledges that his cricket commitments have sometimes cost him jobs, yet he dreams of a future where cricket is his sole source of income.

  • At 34, he views his World Cup participation as a significant career milestone.

Read More: Italy Wins First T20 World Cup Match Against Nepal

"He believes there’s some similarity between his professional and sporting trades."

Team Composition and Eligibility

The Italian squad for the T20 World Cup features players with diverse backgrounds, a point that has generated some discussion. Many players hold Italian passports or qualify through family connections, showcasing the federation's strategy in team building.

PlayerRoleNotes
Anthony MoscaBatsmanUnbeaten 62 in the win vs. Nepal
Justin MoscaBatsmanUnbeaten 60 in the win vs. Nepal
Crishan KalugamageLeg-spin BowlerPlayer of the Match vs. Nepal; Works as a pizza maker
Harry ManentiCaptain
JJ SmutsAll-rounder
Grant StewartAll-rounder
Gian-Piero MeadeWicket-keeper
Aasif SheikhWicket-keeper (Nepal)Scored 23 runs
Rohit PaudelCaptain (Nepal)Scored 23 runs

Expert Insights and Reactions

The victory has been widely noted as a significant upset and a testament to the growing international reach of cricket.

  • The win is described as "historic" and a "dominant win" for Italy.

  • The performance of the Mosca brothers is singled out for its power and efficiency.

  • Kalugamage's dual role as a pizza maker and a key player has garnered particular attention, seen as an inspiring aspect of the team's narrative.

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"Some people have baulked at the Italian Cricket Federation casting their net so wide rather than concentrating on developing more homegrown players."

Conclusion and Future Implications

Italy's ten-wicket triumph over Nepal is a watershed moment, signaling their emergence on the T20 World Cup stage. The performance underscores the team's potential and the success of their player recruitment strategy.

  • This win marks Italy's first-ever victory in the T20 World Cup.

  • The partnership between Justin and Anthony Mosca was a decisive factor in the chase.

  • Crishan Kalugamage's Player of the Match award highlights his crucial role in setting up the win.

  • The team's composition, with players qualifying through various means, has been a subject of observation.

  • This result provides a significant boost to cricket in Italy and will likely inspire greater interest in the sport.

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Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the cricket match between Italy and Nepal?
Italy won the match against Nepal.
Q: What was the score?
Italy won by 10 wickets. Nepal scored 123 runs, and Italy chased it easily.
Q: Who was the best player?
Crishan Kalugamage was the best player. He is also a pizza maker.
Q: Is this a big win for Italy?
Yes, this is Italy's first win in the T20 World Cup, which is very important for them.