Scotland Hand Italy a Harsh Welcome in T20 World Cup Debut

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1432 EAT on Monday 9 February 2026

T20 World Cup debutants Italy endured a bruising introduction to cricket’s biggest stage, suffering a crushing 73-run defeat to Scotland in Kolkata, India, on Monday.

Scotland posted an imposing 207-4, led by opener George Munsey’s commanding 84. In reply, Italy were dismissed for 134 in 16.4 overs, unable to withstand Scotland’s disciplined bowling attack.

Better known for its footballing pedigree, Italy entered the tournament as cricket minnows and the lowest-ranked side among the 20 teams.

Chasing a daunting 208 for victory at Eden Gardens, Italy suffered early setbacks before a valiant fourth-wicket stand of 73 between brothers Ben and Harry Manenti briefly kept them in contention. Harry made 37 before departing, while Ben struck a 31-ball 52, but Italy’s innings unraveled soon after, collapsing from 113-3.

Captain Wayne Madsen was unable to bat after sustaining a serious shoulder injury while fielding.

Scotland’s off-spinner Michael Leask starred with the ball, claiming 4-17, to go with a late batting cameo of an unbeaten 22 off just five deliveries.

Scotland captain Richie Berrington said the victory was crucial after his side opened their campaign with a loss to the West Indies.

“Really pleased to get our first win. In the end, it was a comprehensive win, but we had to work hard for it,” Berrington said.
“We knew they had good players in the line-up. Early wickets were key, and it put us on the front foot.”

Winning the toss, Italy opted to field first in the Group C clash, with a handful of supporters in blue showing their colors in the stands.

A 126-run opening stand between George Munsey and Michael Jones (37) propelled Scotland to the highest total of the tournament to date.

Brandon McMullen’s unbeaten 41 off 18 balls, combined with Michael Leask’s explosive finish—two fours and two sixes in the last five deliveries—propelled Scotland to their highest T20 World Cup total to date.

Left-hander George Munsey set the tone early, dispatching a flurry of fours during the powerplay to put Italy’s bowlers on the back foot.

Italy suffered a setback when captain Wayne Madsen fell awkwardly attempting to stop a boundary in the fourth over, leaving the field wincing in pain with what appeared to be a dislocated shoulder. Remarkably, Madsen still completed an unusual World Cup double on Monday, having previously represented his native South Africa in field hockey at the World Cup, before switching allegiance to Italy through ancestry.

Munsey, who was dropped on 40 by Anthony Mosca, raced to his fifty in just 30 balls with a six. He ultimately fell short of a century, holing out to long-on off pace bowler Grant Stewart. His 54-ball innings featured 13 fours and two sixes and proved crucial in securing Scotland’s first group-stage win of the tournament.

Source: Aljazeera

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