Italy’s long-awaited T20 World Cup debut ends with big defeat against Scotland
KOLKATA, India (AP) — Italy’s 45-year wait ended in a disappointing 73-run defeat against Scotland at the T20 World Cup on Monday, with captain Wayne Madsen dislocating his shoulder inside the first six overs of Group C game.
Italy, where the sport’s national federation was formed in 1980, crashed to 137 all out in 16.4 overs as Madsen didn’t take further part in the historic game after damaging his left shoulder while attempting a catch at mid-wicket.
There was some silver lining in Italy’s maiden appearance in a major global tournament when Benjamin Manenti scored 52 off 31. Benjamin and his brother Harry (37) briefly threatened the tall target with a 73-run stand before both fell in successive overs and Italy lost the last six wickets for 21 runs.
Opening batter George Munsey’s blazing knock of 84 off 54 balls, which featured 13 fours and two sixes, had led Scotland to 207-4 — the highest-ever total by an associate nation in the tournament — after Madsen won the toss and elected to chase.
“I imagine everyone will be flat in the dressing room and disappointed,” vice-captain Harry Manenti said. “We wanted to show the world what we have. We get another chance in a few days’ time and hopefully we can bounce back.”
Munsey was the star for Scotland and also held four catches, including a brilliant low catch at point to dismiss opener Justin Mosca off the first ball before Italy succumbed to off-spinner Michael Leask, who finished with an impressive 4-17.
Under-prepared Scotland, which replaced Bangladesh, lost to the West Indies at the same venue in its first game, but came back strongly to get its first points in the tournament.
Scotland originally missed out after losing to Italy in the qualifiers, but was drafted in late as a replacement for Bangladesh in Group C. The ICC rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s request to shift its games from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
Munsey set the tempo of a strong total with the first century partnership of the tournament and added 126 runs with his opening partner Michael Jones (37).
Munsey missed out on a deserved century and threw his bat in the air in frustration when he holed out at long on in the 14th over to fast bowler Grant Stewart (1-44).
Brandon McMullen then hit a brisk 41 off 18 balls and Leask gave a perfect finish with 22 off just five balls, hitting two fours and two sixes in the final over.
“Really important for us to bounce back strong,” Scotland captain Richie Berrington said. “It was a comprehensive win but had to work hard for it … we will enjoy this win and then we will start preparing for the game against England.”
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field against Oman in Group B at Colombo, and later in the night game 2024 runner-up South Africa played Canada at Ahmedabad.
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