Italy’s long-awaited entry into T20 World Cup cricket arrived under the bright lights of Eden Gardens, Kolkata — a moment years in the making, marked by fresh colours, a new anthem and the unmistakable buzz of a debut on the global stage. Wayne Madsen walking out for the toss and even winning it felt symbolic, a historic first for Italian cricket. But the World Cup, as Italy quickly learned, is a demanding teacher.
What followed was a tough initiation. Italy were handed a 73-run defeat, bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs while chasing Scotland’s imposing total of 207. The night grew harsher when Madsen suffered a shoulder dislocation, an injury that could potentially rule him out of the remainder of the tournament. Italy had their landmark moments, but Scotland ensured the scoreboard told a far more dominant story.
Scotland’s innings set the tone early. In a tournament expected to see heavyweights like India, England and the West Indies dominate the run charts, it was Scotland who became the first team to breach the 200-run mark. George Munsey led the charge with a blistering 85, turning Eden Gardens into his personal stage with fearless strokeplay. Italy earned a moment to savour when Grant Stewart dismissed Munsey, claiming one of Italy’s first significant World Cup wickets, but the breakthrough came too late to halt the momentum.
Michael Leask ensured the finish was emphatic. His assault in the final over, which went for 22 runs, pushed Scotland beyond the psychological 200 mark and transformed Italy’s chase from challenging to mountainous.
Italy’s reply began with a brutal reminder of World Cup intensity, Justin Mosca departing first ball. Yet the debutants briefly lifted the mood. Will Smuts struck Italy’s first-ever World Cup six and followed it up with an exhilarating over that included two more maximums, giving fans a glimpse of Italy’s attacking intent. The joy was short-lived, however, as Smuts fell in the next over and Scotland tightened their grip through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
The brightest phase of Italy’s innings came through the Manenti brothers. Harry and Ben Manenti stitched together a thrilling 73-run partnership for the fourth wicket, injecting life into the chase. Harry played the aggressor while Ben anchored the stand with maturity, rotating strike and finding gaps. Their effort pushed Italy past 100 inside 12 overs and briefly forced Scotland back into the contest.
The breakthrough arrived in the 13th over when Harry was dismissed, and although Ben went on to create history by becoming Italy’s first-ever T20 World Cup half-centurion with a 29-ball fifty, the resistance soon faded. Michael Leask returned to dismantle the lower order, finishing with outstanding figures of 4 for 17 and sealing Scotland’s dominance.
Without Madsen able to bat due to injury, Italy eventually folded for 134. It was not the fairytale debut they had hoped for, but it was not without meaning. Four Italian bowlers picked up their first World Cup wickets, Ben Manenti reached a historic milestone, and the Manenti brothers’ stand offered proof that Italy can compete in patches at this level.
Scotland, though, were simply too polished, too clinical and too experienced. For Italy, this was a beginning — a night of harsh lessons, small victories, and the understanding that the journey at the World Cup has only just started.
