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Scotland all-rounder Michael Leask channeled his inner Virat Kohli during the 2026 T20 World Cup match against Italy at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday, February 9. Michael Leask was electric, lighting up the group stage with his emotion and raw intensity.
Michael Leask lights up Scotland’s T20 World Cup 2026 charge
The biggest turning point came in the 14th over, just before the drinks break in Kolkata. Ben Manenti batted really well and looked ready to take the game away from Scotland. Oliver Davidson bowled a full delivery and Manenti hit the ball hard in an attempt to clear extra cover.
But the timing was wrong and the ball flew straight rather than past the fielder and lost momentum in the air. Michael Jones, who was stationed at long, was quick and made clean catches under pressure. It was a huge wicket as Manetti scored 52 runs in just 31 balls with the help of five fours and a six, and Italy had real momentum at this point.
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Michael Leask goes into Virat Kohli mode after big wicket
The moment the ball was picked up, the Scotland players burst into celebration. The wicket lifted the entire team; Oliver Davison confidently celebrated the crucial breakthrough. Then, the moment came that caught everyone’s attention during the 2026 T20 World Cup clash.
An adrenaline-fuelled Michael Leask displayed raw passion and aggressive emotion as he sent off Manidi, which instantly reminded fans of Virat Kohli’s fiery on-field style. Lesk’s aggressive celebration immediately went viral, with fans comparing his attitude to India legend Kohli’s famous excited reactions on the field.
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) February 9, 2026
Lisk gave Harry Mananti a warm send-off. 👀 pic.twitter.com/OwLkGIpbZl
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 9, 2026
Scotland rules Italy in the Garden of Eden
Meanwhile, the Eden Gardens witnessed a one-sided affair as Scotland defeated Italy by 73 runs in the ongoing seventh match of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Scotland came out with clear intent and produced a stunning performance, led in memorable fashion by Michael Leask.
The Scotland batsmen gave it their all from the get-go and never slowed down, finishing with a brilliant score of 207 for 4 in 20 overs. This is the first time United has crossed the 200-run mark in a T20 World Cup match. The final round belongs entirely to Leask.
Also read: Scotland warns of rewriting T20 World Cup history
Lesk’s late fireworks and record-setting spell sealed the game
The bowling all-rounder came on stage late in the game and made a stunning cameo, scoring 22 runs off just 5 balls. His powerful knock provided the perfect finish for Scotland. Lesk wasn’t done yet, as he created a spell that completely changed the game. Italy are in a good position at 113/3.
Bit Leask tore up the middle order. He took 4 wickets for just 17 runs, triggering a dramatic collapse as Italy were bowled out for 134. This is the first time he has taken 4 wickets in T20I cricket. With this spell, he has now picked up 55 wickets in 76 T20I games at an average of 20.67 and an economy rate of 7.55.
Leask took 14 wickets in the T20 World Cup alone. His figures of 4 for 17 are the best by a Scottish bowler in the history of the T20 World Cup. Another Scottish player to take four wickets in the tournament is Josh Davey, who took 4/18 against Papua New Guinea in 2021.
