KOLKATA: Scotland registered their maiden victory of the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026, beating Italy by 73 runs at Eden Gardens on Monday.
Chasing a difficult whole of 208, Italy had been bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs, due to a superb bowling efficiency by Michael Leask.
Ben Manenti top-scored for Italy with 52 off 31 balls, together with 5 fours and one six.
Harry Manenti added 37 runs from 25 deliveries with one 4 and three sixes, whereas JJ Smuts contributed 22 off 11 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.
Anthony Mosca scored 11, however the remainder of the batting lineup struggled to make an affect. Skipper Wayne Madsen didn’t bat after being dominated out mid-match because of a shoulder damage.
Michael Leask led Scotland’s bowling assault, ending with spectacular figures of 4 for 17 in 4 overs. Mark Watt picked up two wickets, whereas Brad Currie, Brad Wheal, and Oliver Davidson claimed one wicket every.
Batting first, Scotland began strongly, with their opening pair setting a brisk tempo and preserving the workforce in a commanding place.
George Munsey and Michael Jones performed essential roles, serving to Scotland attain 50 runs by the seventh over.
Munsey was in distinctive kind, scoring his 14th T20I fifty, whereas Jones’ regular contributions stored the debutant Italian aspect below stress.
As Scotland crossed the 100-run mark, Munsey appeared poised for a T20I century, however his innings ended at 84 off 54 balls, that includes 13 fours and two sixes, as Grant Stewart broke the 126-run partnership.
Scotland misplaced their second wicket within the very subsequent over when JJ Smuts dismissed Michael Jones, who made 37 off 30 balls, together with a 4 and two sixes, leaving the workforce at 136-2 in 14.5 overs.
Brandon McMullen and Richie Berrington then took cost, preserving Scotland forward with aggressive hitting and serving to the aspect surpass 150 runs with ease.
The 48-run partnership was damaged when Ali Hasan picked up his first T20I wicket, dismissing Berrington for 15 off 11 balls, which included two fours.
Within the ultimate overs, Scotland misplaced two extra wickets: Tom Bruce fell for one off two deliveries to Thomas Draca, whereas McMullen remained unbeaten on 41 off 18 balls with 4 sixes.
Michael Leask completed strongly with a fast cameo of twenty-two off 5 balls, together with two fours and two sixes.
