The first-time World Cup side were stunned by Scotland in the first-ever T20 World Cup match at Eden Gardens.
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Published February 9, 2026
Italy, playing in their first ever T20 World Cup, got off to a disastrous start on cricket’s biggest stage with a crushing 73-run defeat to Scotland in Kolkata, India.
Scotland won 207-4 on Monday with opener George Munsey top-scoring with 84, but in response Italy were bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs.
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Italy, known for its soccer, are cricket underdogs, finishing last in the 20-team tournament.
Chasing a mammoth 208 for victory, Italy suffered an early blow until a brave four-wicket partnership of 73 from brothers Ben and Harry Manenti held on at Eden Gardens.
However, as the Italian batting line collapsed from 113-3 down, Harry was dismissed after 37 pitches and Ben was dismissed after 31 pitches and 52 pitches.
Captain Wayne Madsen injured his shoulder while fielding and was unable to bat.
Scotland added another batting cameo from off-spinner Michael Leask, who took 4 wins and 17 losses with an unbeaten 22 off 5 balls.
Scotland captain Richie Berrington said it was important for his team to bounce back after losing their first match of the tournament to West Indies.
“I’m really happy to get my first win. In the end it was an overall win, but I had to work hard for it,” he said.
“We knew they had good players in their lineup. Fast wickets were key and that gave us the edge.”
Italy won the toss and bowled first in the Group C match, with several Italian fans decked out in their country’s blue.
Scotland scored 126 points in the opening stand, with Munsey and Michael Jones scoring 37 points, the most points in the competition so far.
Brandon McMullen’s 18-ball unbeaten 41 and Leask, who hit two fours and two sixes in the final five balls, led Scotland to their best ever T20 World Cup performance.
The left-handed Manzi got off to a brisk start with a flurry of fours to destabilize Italy’s attack in the first six overs of the powerplay.
Italy suffered a blow when Madsen took an awkward fall while trying to stop a boundary in the fourth over and left the field wincing in pain as if he had dislocated his shoulder.
The captain also completed an unusual World Cup double on Monday, playing in two different sports in two different countries.
He represented his native South Africa in the field hockey World Cup, but currently holds an Italian passport.
Munsey, who was dismissed by Anthony Mosca after 40 pitches, reached No. 50 with six RBIs on 30 pitches.
Munsey missed out on his hundred when he holed out to off-pace bowler Grant Stewart.
He hit 13 fours and two sixes in his 54-ball knock to lead Scotland to their first group win.
