T20 World Cup 2026 Score and Match Report
Italy vs Scotland: Scotland kick-started their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a comprehensive victory over Italy in the opening match of the day at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In the much-anticipated italy vs Scotland clash, the Scottish side displayed their growing strength in international T20 cricket by posting a commanding total and then dismantling Italy’s batting line-up to claim their first win of the tournament.
For Italy, the match marked a historic milestone as the football-loving European nation made its debut in the senior men’s T20 World Cup. However, the occasion turned bittersweet as Scotland’s disciplined bowling attack dismissed Italy for just 134 runs while chasing a steep target of 208.
Match Overview: Italy vs Scotland, ICC T20 World Cup 2026
| Match | Italy vs Scotland |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | 9 February 2026 |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Toss | Italy won the toss |
| Toss Decision | Italy chose to bowl first |
| Result | Scotland won by 73 runs |
Toss and Team Strategy
Winning the toss, Italy opted to field first, hoping to exploit early movement under Kolkata conditions. The decision meant Scotland would bat first on a surface traditionally known for high-scoring encounters as the game progresses. With a fast outfield and short boundaries at Eden Gardens, Scotland’s batters looked eager to take full advantage.
Scotland’s Innings: Aggressive Batting Sets the Tone
Scotland’s innings got off to a confident start as openers George Munsey and Michael Jones attacked from the very first over. The duo rotated strike efficiently while punishing loose deliveries, ensuring the scoreboard ticked over at a brisk pace.
By the end of five overs, Scotland had already raced to 39 without loss, sending an early warning to the Italian bowlers. The powerplay belonged firmly to the Scottish openers, who displayed composure and clean hitting.
Scotland’s Powerplay and Middle Overs Dominance
- 10 overs: 91/0
- 15 overs: 136/2
George Munsey was the standout performer, playing one of the finest knocks of his T20 career. His innings combined elegance with brute force, as he pierced the gaps and cleared the ropes with ease.
Scotland Batting Scorecard
| Batsman | Runs |
|---|---|
| George Munsey | 84 |
| Michael Jones | 37 |
| Brandon McMullen | 41 |
| Richie Berrington (c) | 15 |
| Tom Bruce | 1 |
| Michael Leask | 22 |
| Total | 207/4 (20 overs) |
Munsey’s dismissal after scoring 84 runs off 54 balls marked Italy’s first breakthrough, but by then, the damage was already done. Contributions from Brandon McMullen and Michael Leask ensured Scotland crossed the 200-run mark comfortably.
Italy Bowling Performance
Despite moments of control, Italy’s bowlers struggled to contain Scotland’s batting firepower.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ali Hasan | – | 21 | 1 |
| Grant Stewart | – | 44 | 1 |
| Thomas Draca | – | 37 | 1 |
| JJ Smuts | – | 38 | 1 |
| Ben Manenti | – | 20 | 0 |
| Harry Manenti | – | 15 | 0 |
| Krishan Kalugamage | – | 32 | 0 |
Scotland finished on 207/4, setting Italy a daunting target of 208 runs to win.
Italy’s Chase: Early Collapse Seals the Game
Chasing a mammoth total in a World Cup encounter is never easy, and Italy’s innings began in disastrous fashion. On the very first ball of the chase, Justin Mosca was dismissed by Michael Leask, immediately putting Italy under pressure.
Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, preventing Italy from building any momentum.
Italy Batting Scorecard
| Batsman | Runs |
|---|---|
| Justin Mosca | 0 |
| Anthony Mosca | 13 |
| JJ Smuts | 22 |
| Harry Manenti | 37 |
| Ben Manenti | 52 |
| Grant Stewart | 2 |
| Gian Meade (wk) | 0 |
| Krishan Kalugamage | 3 |
| Thomas Draca | 2 |
| Ali Hasan | 0 |
| Wayne Madsen (c) | 0 |
| Total | 134 all out (16.4 overs) |
Ben Manenti fought valiantly with a well-compiled 52, while Harry Manenti provided brief support. However, the required run rate kept climbing, and Scotland’s bowlers never allowed Italy to regain control.
Scotland Bowling Brilliance
The Scottish bowling unit delivered a clinical performance, led by spin ace Michael Leask.
| Bowler | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Leask | 17 | 4 |
| Brad Currie | 12 | 1 |
| Brad Wheal | 29 | 1 |
| Mark Watt | 24 | 2 |
| Oliver Davidson | 39 | 1 |
| Brandon McMullen | 13 | 0 |
Italy were bowled out for 134 in just 16.4 overs, handing Scotland a commanding 73-run victory.
Key Moments from Italy vs Scotland
- Italy lost their first wicket on the very first ball
- Scotland crossed 200 runs with ease
- Michael Leask claimed four crucial wickets
- Scotland registered their first win of T20 World Cup 2026
- Italy’s historic World Cup debut ended in defeat
Playing XIs
Italy Playing XI
Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen (Captain), Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Gian Meade (Wicketkeeper), Grant Stewart, Krishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan, Thomas Draca
Scotland Playing XI
George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (Captain), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (Wicketkeeper), Mark Watt, Michael Leask, Oliver Davidson, Brad Wheal, Brad Currie
What This Win Means for Scotland
This victory gives Scotland a crucial early boost in the group stage of the tournament. With a strong net run rate and confidence high, the Scottish side will look to build momentum in upcoming matches. Performances like this underline Scotland’s steady rise as a competitive force in international T20 cricket.
Italy’s Learning Curve on the World Stage
For Italy, the italy vs Scotland encounter highlighted the challenges of competing at the highest level. Despite flashes of promise, particularly from the Manenti brothers, the team will need to improve consistency with both bat and ball as they continue their World Cup journey.
Also read: Sri Lanka vs Ireland Scorecard: Sri Lanka Secure 20-Run Win in T20 World Cup 2026 Clash at Colombo
Conclusion
The italy vs Scotland clash at Eden Gardens delivered a clear message: Scotland are ready to make a serious impact at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. A dominant batting display followed by ruthless bowling ensured a convincing win, while Italy gained valuable experience on the global stage despite the loss.
As the tournament progresses, Scotland will aim to carry this momentum forward, while Italy will look to regroup and learn from their debut outing in cricket’s biggest T20 spectacle.
