Italy thrashed by Scotland by 73 runs on T20 World Cup debut

Italy’s T20 World Cup debut turned into a harsh reality check as the newcomers suffered a heavy 73-run defeat against Scotland in Kolkata on Monday.

Batting first, Scotland posted an imposing 207 for four, powered by an impressive 84 from opener George Munsey. In reply, Italy were bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs.

Better known as a footballing nation, Italy remain a newcomer in cricket and are the lowest-ranked side in the 20-team tournament. Chasing a daunting target of 208, they lost early wickets, though a fourth-wicket stand of 73 between brothers Ben and Harry Manenti briefly kept Italy in the contest at Eden Gardens.

The partnership ended when Harry departed for 37, and the innings soon unravelled after Ben Manenti was dismissed for a 31-ball 52, with Italy collapsing from 113 for three.

Italy captain Wayne Madsen was unable to bat after suffering a serious shoulder injury while fielding.

For Scotland, off-spinner Michael Leask claimed four wickets for 17 runs and also contributed with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 22 off just five balls. Scotland captain Richie Berrington said bouncing back from their opening-match defeat was crucial for his team.

In the Group C match, Italy won the toss and opted to bowl, with a handful of Italian fans in blue jerseys spotted in the stands. Scotland laid the foundation for their big total through a 126-run opening partnership between Munsey and Michael Jones, who scored 37.

Brandon McMullen added late impetus with an unbeaten 41 off 18 balls, while Leask struck two fours and two sixes in the final five deliveries to help Scotland register their highest T20 World Cup total.

Left-hander Munsey was aggressive from the outset, striking a flurry of boundaries during the powerplay to put the Italian bowlers under pressure.

Italy suffered a major setback in the fourth over when captain Madsen fell awkwardly while attempting to stop a boundary and left the field in visible pain, with a suspected dislocated shoulder.

Despite the injury, Madsen achieved a unique World Cup feat on Monday. He previously represented his native South Africa at the Field Hockey World Cup and is now playing in the Cricket World Cup for Italy through his ancestral ties.

Munsey, who was dropped on 40 by Anthony Mosca, reached his fifty with a six off 30 balls. He missed out on a century after being caught at long-on off Grant Stewart. His 54-ball innings, featuring 13 fours and two sixes, guided Scotland to their first group-stage win after losing their opening match to the West Indies.