MUMBAI: Brothers Justin and Anthony Mosca guided Twenty20 World Cup debutants Italy to their first victory at the tournament with a dominant 10-wicket win over Nepal in a Group C match on Thursday.
Justin (60) and Anthony (62) struck unbeaten half-centuries to chase down a modest target of 124 with 44 balls to spare, becoming the first brothers to score fifties in the same T20 World Cup match.Italy’s decision to bowl first in Mumbai proved decisive as their spinners kept Nepal in check, denying them momentum throughout the innings.
Crishan Kalugamage took 3-18 and Benjamin Manenti claimed 2-9 as Nepal were restricted to 123, with Kalugamage dismissing captain Rohit Paudel for 23.Despite missing captain Wayne Madsen, who dislocated his shoulder in Monday’s defeat by Scotland, Italy’s openers set the tone early.
Justin Mosca smashed three sixes and three fours as Italy raced to 50 without loss in just four overs.Justin reached his half-century off 37 balls in the 11th over, and Anthony followed suit with a six off the very next delivery. Anthony then struck the winning run through cover to seal victory at 124-0 in 12.4 overs, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Italian players.
“I always wanted to help the team win and do my best for my nation Italy,” said player of the match Kalugamage, a Sri Lanka-born pizza baker. “It’s a massive moment for me after a lot of sacrifices.”Italy next face former champions England in Kolkata on Monday.
