This was Italy's first-ever appearance at a T20 World Cup, coming after they were called up just two weeks ago to replace Bangladesh in the tournament.
🇮🇹 Grant Stewart 4 Wickets - Italy's Hero
Playing their first World Cup match, Italy needed someone to step up with the ball. Grant Stewart delivered exactly that.
The 32-year-old right-arm pacer struck early, dismissing Kushal Bhurtel for 15 in the 4th over to give Italy their first-ever T20 World Cup wicket.
Stewart then removed Aasif Sheikh (8), Dipendra Singh Airee (12), and Gulshan Jha (4) to finish with outstanding figures of 4 wickets for 28 runs in his 4 overs.
Grant Stewart bowling figures:
- 4 wickets for 28 runs
- 4 overs bowled
- Economy rate: 7.00
- Italy's first-ever T20 World Cup 4-wicket haul
Stewart was named Italy's Player of the Match despite the loss, in recognition of his historic performance.
🏏 Italy Batting Struggles - 124 All Out
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Italy struggled against Nepal's disciplined bowling attack.
Captain Gareth Berg top-scored with 38 runs off 31 balls, showing fight and determination in Italy's maiden World Cup innings. Michael Urbanowicz contributed 22 off 19 balls before falling to Sandeep Lamichhane.
But Nepal's spinners dominated, with Sandeep Lamichhane taking 3 wickets for 21 runs and Lalit Rajbanshi claiming 2 for 18.
Italy were bowled out for 124 runs in 19.2 overs - below par but respectable for a debut performance.
Italy Innings:
- Gareth Berg: 38 (31 balls)
- Michael Urbanowicz: 22 (19 balls)
- Total: 124 all out (19.2 overs)
🇳🇵 Nepal Chase Down Target in 17.4 Overs
Chasing 125, Nepal got off to a shaky start when Grant Stewart struck early to dismiss Bhurtel.
But Rohit Paudel (41* off 33) and Lokesh Bam (38 off 28) steadied the innings with a crucial 67-run partnership that took Nepal close to victory.
Paudel remained unbeaten to guide Nepal home with 14 balls to spare, securing a 6-wicket victory.
Final Score:
Italy: 124 all out (19.2 overs)
Nepal: 125/4 (17.4 overs)
Result: Nepal won by 6 wickets
🎯 Italy's Cricket Journey
Italy's presence at the T20 World Cup is remarkable given cricket's status as a minor sport in the country.
The Italian Cricket Association has worked hard to develop the game, and this World Cup debut represents years of effort.
With just two weeks' preparation after being called up to replace Bangladesh, Italy showed commendable spirit and organization.
Captain Gareth Berg said after the match: "We're proud to represent Italy on the World Cup stage. Today we showed we belong here, even if the result didn't go our way."
📊 Historic Firsts for Italy
Italy's T20 World Cup Firsts:
- First match: vs Nepal, Feb 11, 2026
- First runs: Gareth Berg (boundary off Karan KC)
- First wicket: Grant Stewart (dismissed Kushal Bhurtel)
- First 4-wicket haul: Grant Stewart 4/28
- Highest score: Gareth Berg 38
🎤 What Grant Stewart Said
In his post-match interview, Stewart was humble:
"It's an honor to take Italy's first wickets in a World Cup. We didn't get the result today, but we'll learn and come back stronger against Scotland."
On Italy's preparation:
"Two weeks isn't much, but we made the most of it. The boys fought hard today."
⏭️ What's Next
Italy face Scotland on February 12 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata - another chance to register their first T20 World Cup win.
Nepal take on West Indies on February 13 at the same venue, looking to continue their momentum.
For Italy, this debut was about more than just results. It was about announcing their arrival on cricket's biggest stage and inspiring the next generation of Italian cricketers.
Grant Stewart's 4 wickets will be remembered as the moment Italy truly became a T20 World Cup nation.
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