Scotland Beat Italy to Register Maiden Win at T20 World Cup 2026
Scotland registered their first victory of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a dominant 73-run win over Italy at Eden Gardens on Monday, producing a clinical all-round performance to stay alive in the tournament.
Batting first, Scotland got off to a confident start as openers George Munsey and Michael Jones laid a solid foundation. The duo kept the scoring rate healthy and brought up 50 runs by the seventh over, putting the Italian bowlers under early pressure. Munsey looked in sublime touch and went on to register his 14th T20I half-century, while Jones played the supporting role with composure.
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Scotland crossed the 100-run mark comfortably, with Munsey eyeing a possible T20I century before his innings was halted on 84 off 54 balls, an effort laced with 13 fours and two sixes. His dismissal ended a crucial 126-run opening partnership when Grant Stewart struck to give Italy a breakthrough. In the very next over, Scotland lost their second wicket as JJ Smuts removed Jones for 37 off 30 balls, which included a four and two sixes, leaving the score at 136 for two in 14.5 overs.
The middle order ensured Scotland did not lose momentum. Brandon McMullen and Richie Berrington added quick runs, helping the team surge past 150 with aggressive stroke play. Their 48-run stand came to an end when Ali Hasan claimed his maiden T20I wicket by dismissing Berrington for 15 off 11 balls, which featured two boundaries.
Scotland finished strongly despite losing two more wickets in the closing stages. Tom Bruce was dismissed for one by Thomas Draca, but McMullen remained unbeaten on a blistering 41 off just 18 deliveries, smashing four sixes. The late flourish was provided by Michael Leask, who struck a rapid 22 off five balls, including two fours and two sixes, propelling Scotland to an imposing total of 207 for five.
In reply, Italy never really recovered from the pressure of the chase. Set a target of 208, they were bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs. Ben Manenti was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 52 off 31 balls with five fours and a six. Harry Manenti added 37 from 25 deliveries, hitting one four and three sixes, while Smuts chipped in with a quick 22 off 11 balls, which included two fours and two sixes. Anthony Mosca contributed 11, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to build meaningful partnerships. Italy were also dealt a blow as captain Wayne Madsen did not bat after being ruled out mid-match due to a shoulder injury.
Leask starred with the ball for Scotland, delivering a match-winning spell of four for 17 in his four overs. Mark Watt picked up two wickets, while Brad Currie, Brad Wheal and Oliver Davidson chipped in with one wicket each to complete a comprehensive bowling effort.
The emphatic victory marked a significant milestone for Scotland in the tournament, giving them their maiden win of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and a timely boost to their campaign.
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