Scotland registered their maiden victory of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a dominant 73-run win over Italy at Eden Gardens on Monday, producing a commanding all-round performance to secure their first points of the tournament.

Chasing a stiff target of 208, Italy were bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs, struggling to keep up with the required run rate despite a few individual efforts. Scotland’s bowlers applied relentless pressure, led by an outstanding spell from Michael Leask, who ripped through the middle order to derail Italy’s chase.

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Ben Manenti was the standout performer for Italy with the bat, scoring 52 off 31 balls, which included five fours and one six. Harry Manenti supported him with 37 off 25 deliveries, hitting one four and three sixes, while JJ Smuts added a quick 22 off 11 balls with two fours and two sixes. Anthony Mosca chipped in with 11, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to make a meaningful contribution. Italy skipper Wayne Madsen did not bat after being ruled out mid-match due to a shoulder injury.

Michael Leask led Scotland’s bowling attack with impressive figures of 4 for 17 from his four overs. Mark Watt claimed two wickets, while Brad Currie, Brad Wheal and Oliver Davidson picked up one wicket each as Italy collapsed well short of the target.

Earlier, batting first, Scotland made full use of favourable conditions after a strong start from their opening pair. George Munsey and Michael Jones set the tone with positive intent, helping Scotland reach 50 within the first seven overs and keeping the Italian bowlers under sustained pressure.

Munsey was in sublime form, bringing up his 14th T20I half-century, while Jones played the role of a steady anchor. As Scotland crossed the 100-run mark, Munsey looked set for a T20I century, but his innings came to an end at 84 off 54 balls, which included 13 fours and two sixes, when Grant Stewart broke the 126-run opening partnership.

Scotland lost their second wicket in the very next over as JJ Smuts dismissed Michael Jones for 37 off 30 balls, an innings that featured one four and two sixes, leaving Scotland at 136 for 2 in 14.5 overs. Despite the quick wickets, Scotland maintained control of the innings.

Brandon McMullen and Richie Berrington then accelerated the scoring, adding valuable runs to push Scotland past the 150-run mark with ease. Their 48-run partnership was broken when Ali Hasan claimed his maiden T20I wicket by dismissing Berrington for 15 off 11 balls, which included two fours.

In the closing overs, Scotland lost two more wickets, with Tom Bruce falling for one off two deliveries to Thomas Draca. McMullen, however, remained unbeaten on 41 off just 18 balls, striking four sixes to give Scotland crucial momentum at the death.

Michael Leask provided the finishing touches with a blistering cameo of 22 off five balls, smashing two fours and two sixes, as Scotland posted a formidable total of 207 for 6. The comprehensive performance with both bat and ball ensured Scotland sealed a memorable maiden win at the T20 World Cup 2026 in emphatic fashion.

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