Crishan Kalugamage’s three crucial wickets helped Italy dismiss Nepal for just 123 runs in 19.3 overs during their T20 World Cup 2026 match at Wankhede Stadium. Nepal, batting after losing the toss, faced an early setback when top batter Kushal Bhurtal got out after scoring only five runs off ten balls. Despite a 41-run partnership by skipper Rohit Paudel and Aasif Sheikh, Italy’s strong bowling performance restricted Nepal.
Italy’s comeback post-power play saw the dismissal of both batters in quick succession. Rohit scored 23 runs off 14 balls before falling to Kalugamage, while Aasif contributed 26 runs off 21 balls before being sent off by Ben Manenti. Dipendra Singh Airee and Aarif Sheikh then built a 41-run partnership, focusing on singles and doubles initially before attempting boundaries. However, Italy struck back, claiming crucial wickets in a span of five balls.
Dipendra scored 17 runs off 18 balls, Lokesh managed only three runs, and Aarif scored 27 runs off 24 balls before departing. Despite Karan KC’s unbeaten 18 runs off 11 balls, Nepal was all out with three balls to spare. Italy’s Kalugamage shone with three wickets for 18 runs, supported by Ben Manenti’s two wickets. JJ Smuts, Ali Hasan, and Jaspreet Singh also chipped in with one wicket each.
