Nepal Vs Italy, ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Highlights: Italians Register One-Sided Victory As Rhinos Suffer Second Defeat

Good Morning folks. Welcome to our live coverage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match number 17 between Nepal and Italy from the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This is the start of our blog, stay tuned for the real-time updates, live scores and more.

Co-hosts Sri Lanka have posted a total of 225 on the board in the 1st innings against Oman in match number 16 at the Pallekele International Stadium. Catch all the live action right here.

Nepal had pushed England to the absolute brink in their ICC T20 World CUp 2026 opener in Mumbai.

Chasing 185 runs, an 82-run stand between Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee dismantled Adil Rashid’s rhythm. Lokesh Bam’s late explosion against Jofra Archer left Nepal needing 10 off the final over.

However, the Nepalese suffered a major heartbreak as they fell just four runs short from what could have been a sensational victory.

In their T20 World Cup debut at Eden Gardens, Italy suffered a heavy 73-run defeat against Scotland. Chasing a massive 207, Italy’s hopes faded early when captain Wayne Madsen dislocated his shoulder while fielding. Despite a valiant 52 from Ben Manenti, the "Azzurri" were bundled out for 134.

In Mumbai, it is currently a sunny 29°C with a 0% chance of rain. Winds are blowing from the west at 11 mph with 41% humidity.

The daily high is expected to reach 29°C, providing perfect and uninterrupted conditions for the Nepal vs Italy clash. Needless to say, it will be a good toss to win.

Italian captain Wayne Madsen won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Nepal XI: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (WK), Rohit Paudel (C), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Gulshan Jha, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi

Italy XI: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (C), Benjamin Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade (WK), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage and Ali Hasan

Right then, we are underway for match number 17 between Nepal and Italy. Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh have taken the crease with Italian off-spinner Benjamin Manenti bowling the first over.

It was a very good first over from Benjamin Manenti, who did not concede a single run after bowling a wide to start his over. Nepal get underway with as Kushal Bhurtel drives it through the cover for four but he gets out in the very next ball. Weird start from the Rhinos.

Carnage, absolute carnage from skipper Rohit Paudel who smacks his second his of the match and the Nepalese fans have come alive all of a sudden. It was a good start from the Italian bowlers but Nepal have named the powerplay.

Italy have been a live wire in the field and have kept the Nepali Rhinos on their feet. The wicket have much for the spinners and Italy spinners have used the conditions quite well. Aasif Sheikh was the last batter to depart, got stumped by Manenti for 20.

That's a big blow for Nepal as their one of the most dependable batter Dipendra Singh Airee has been castled by Crishan Kalugamage for 17. Just as it was looking that NEP have stabilized their innings, they have lost their 4th wicket.

What are Nepal doing because they are much better than this. With three overs to go, Nepal are fighting to get to a 130+ total with Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane currently at the crease.

Italy have restricted Nepal to a modest 125/10. Despite a brisk start from Rohit Paudel (23), Nepal’s middle order collapsed against Crishan Kalugamage, who claimed 3/18. A late cameo by Karan KC (18) pushed Nepal past 120, leaving Italy a target of 126. Incredible turn of events.

Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca are in the middle to initiate this 124-run chase against Nepal. It won't be an easy task for them, especially with the way the pitch is behaving.

Wow. Splendid start from the Italian openers as they take the team's total to 56 within just 5 overs in the powerplay. The Mosca's are running the show with their power packed batting.

Nepal have fallen flat as the Italian opening duo continue to batter the opposing bowlers as both Justin and Anthony Mosca reach closer to their half-centuries.

That's it. Call it a fluke, call it whatever, but Italy have come out on top against this in-form Nepalese side, which looked absolutely lifeless. It was so unlike them, especially after the way they performed against England.

This will hurt the Nepalese fans and the players for a long time.

What more could have Italy asked for? A 10-wicket victory, which is also their first-ever in the ICC T20 World Cup, thanks to a very good bowling performance, followed by batting superiority. Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca pulled the game towards Italy with their 124-run partnership.

But the man of the match is Crishan Kalugamage for his splendid 4 over spell of 3/18.