The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. already Associate national delivered its fair share of drama, but for a few minutes it captivated the Wankhede crowd like a tactical chess match played under the Mumbai lights. In the main match of Group C on February 12 Crishan Kalugamage of Italy Produced a delivery of absolute wizardry to dismiss Nepaltalismanic comprehensive, Dipendra Singh Aireetilting the momentum firmly in the Azzurri’s favour.
The 17th match of the tournament saw Italy elect to field first – a decision that seemed inspired as they restricted Nepal to low-par in conditions that usually favor the batsmen. While Nepal showed flashes of brilliance, they struggled to find their rhythm against a disciplined Italian bowling unit that used the humid Mumbai weather to their advantage.
Dipendra Singh Airee gets bowled by Crishan Kalugamage in T20 World Cup 2026
The decisive moment of the first innings came in the 14th over. Nepal wanted to settle down and attack late with the experienced Airee. Known for his ability to clear the ropes, Airee had hit a patient 17 off 18 balls and was just starting to look dangerous.
At 13.5, Kalugamage delivered what many called “the ball of the group stages”. Coming out from behind his hand with a high arm motion, Kalugamage released a screeching jab that bent sharply backwards at an angle. Airi, having misjudged the length and direction of the turn, decided to go full-blooded through the covers. The ball went through the gap between bat and pad and kissed the top of the stumps with surgical precision.
At the Wankhede, there was a moment of silence before the Italian contingent erupted. It was a “stunning delivery” that had Airi looking back at her shattered stumps in disbelief. That wicket broke the back of Nepal’s middle order, reeling them at 93/4 and ending hopes of a 150-plus total.
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Nepal are struggling to get a competitive result as the Italian bowlers dominate
Despite a lively start, Nepal’s innings was characterized by a lack of significant partnerships. Powerplay conceded 45 runs for loss Kushal Bhurtelbut the Italian spinners soon tightened the noose. Ben Manenti was clinical, conceding just 9 runs in 4 overs and picking up two crucial wickets, while Kalugamage finished with excellent figures of 3/18.
captain of Nepal, Rohit Paudelprovided a brief spark with 23 off 14 balls, including two boundaries, but his departure led to a steady slide. Aarif Sheikh (27) tried to anchor the lower part, but the doors fell regularly. A late cameo Karan KCRemaining undefeated at 18, the total exceeded the 100 mark, but the tail showed little resistance.
Nepal eventually reached 123 in 19.3 overs, leaving their bowlers with a huge task ahead. With Italy more than 80% likely to win, Nepal will need an inspired spell. Sandeep Lamichhane Survive in this high-stakes World Cup clash.
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