Italy’s T20 World Cup debut ends with big loss against Scotland

Italy’s T20 World Cup debut ends with big loss against ScotlandWorld Cup debutants are dominated by Scotland in their first ever T20 World Cup match at Eden Gardens.Published On 9 Feb 2026T20 World Cup debutants Italy have had a bruising introduction to cricket’s biggest stage as they suffered a crushing 73-run loss to Scotland in Kolkata, India.Scotland posted a hefty 207-4 on Monday with opener George Munsey top-scoring with 84, and in reply, Italy were bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Mumbai or Kathmandu? Nepal fans light up T20 World Cup despite painful losslist 2 of 4Man City fight back to win 2-1 at Liverpool and keep title hopes alivelist 3 of 4La Liga: Real Madrid beat Valencia to stay on Barcelona’s heelslist 4 of 4Super Bowl 2026: Seahawks ride defence, Walker to beat Patriotsend of listA nation better known for its football, Italy are cricket minnows and the lowest-ranked side in the 20-team tournament.Chasing a mammoth 208 for victory, Italy suffered early blows before a valiant fourth-wicket partnership of 73 between brothers Ben and Harry Manenti kept them afloat at Eden Gardens.But Harry departed for 37 and Ben got out after his 31-ball 52 as the Italian batting collapsed from 113-3.Captain Wayne Madsen could not bat after he badly injured his shoulder while fielding.Off-spinner Michael Leask took 4-17 for Scotland, adding to his batting cameo of an unbeaten 22 off five balls.Scotland captain Richie Berrington said it was vital for his team to bounce back after losing their opening match of the tournament to the West Indies.“Really pleased to get our first win. In the end, it was a comprehensive win, but we had to work hard for it,” he said.“We knew they had good players in the lineup. Early wickets were key, and it put us on the front foot.”Ben Manenti top-scored for Italy with 52 runs, but it wasn’t nearly enough to forge a win on their T20 World Cup debut [Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP]Italy won the toss and bowled first in the Group C encounter, where there were a few Italian fans decked out in the country’s blue.