itstargetnews
this 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. There have been quite a few para-national dramas, but few moments have captivated the Wankhede audience as much as a tactical chess match played out under the lights of Mumbai. In a key match in Group C on February 12, Krishan Kalugamachi of Italy produced absolute magic to eliminate Nepalthe all-powerful amulet, Deependra Singh Airythe momentum was firmly in favor of the Azzurri.
The match was the 17th of the World Cup and Italy opted to start – a decision that looked encouraging as they limited Nepal’s total in circumstances that usually favored the batsmen. Although Nepal showed flashes of brilliance, they struggled to find their rhythm against a disciplined Italian bowling unit that used Mumbai’s humid air to their advantage.
Dipendra Singh Airee falls for a tear off Crishan Kalugamage in T20 World Cup 2026
The decisive moment of the first game came in the 14th game. Nepal looked to stabilize the situation and launch late attacks with the help of the experienced Ally. Known for his ability to clear the ropes, Ally hit 17 off 18 balls and was just beginning to look dangerous.
Kalugamachi completed what many called the “goal of the group stage” with 13.5 points. Kalugamachi fires a tearing, sticky punch from the back of his hand in a high-arm motion that zigzags back sharply at the angle. Ellie misjudged the length and direction of the turn and was determined to break through cover with all her might. The ball zipped through the gap between bat and pad, kissing the top of the stump with surgical precision.
There was a brief silence among the Wankhedes before the Italian ranks erupted. It was a “shocking delivery” that left Airy looking back at his mangled stump in disbelief. The wicket broke Nepal’s middle order, leaving them in trouble at 93/4 and hampering hopes of a total of over 150.
Here is the video:
Nepal struggles to get competitive total as Italian bowlers dominate
Despite a strong start, Nepal’s match lacked a substantial partnership. Lost the Powerplay by 45 runs Kushal BourtelBut the Italian spinners were quick to tighten the noose. Ben Mananti He showed composure, conceding just 9 runs in 4 overs and picking up two crucial wickets, while Kalugamage ended the match with brilliant figures of 3/18.
captain of nepal, Rohit Paudel23 of 14 goals, including two foul shots, provided a brief spark but his departure sparked a steady decline. Arif Shaikh (27) Tried to fix the lower half but the wickets fell every once in a while. A late cameo from Karan KCUnbeaten on the 18th, pushing the total score to the 100 mark, but there was little resistance at the tail end.
Nepal were eventually bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs, leaving their bowlers with a tough task. Nepal will need an inspiring spell from Italy as their winning probability is over 80% at the break. Sandeep Ramichan Stay alive in this high-stakes World Cup clash.
Watch also: Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery yorker leaves Ishan Kishan in agony
