Playing in their first-ever World Cup, the Azzurri thrashed Nepal by ten wickets to claim a maiden victory at the global showpiece – and they did it in emphatic fashion.

A disciplined display with the ball and in the field saw Nepal bundled out for just 123. Aarif Sheikh top-scored for the Nepalese with 27 off 24 balls, while captain Rohit Paudel struck 23 off 14 and wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh contributed 20 at a run-a-ball.

Anthony Mosca and Justin Mosca. Photo: Cricinfo

Crishan Kalugamage was outstanding for Italy, claiming 3/18 in his four overs. Ben Manenti, brother of captain Harry Manenti, chipped in with 2/9 in four tight overs, while South African-born former Proteas all-rounder Jon-Jon Smuts finished with 1/22.

In reply, the Mosca brothers tore into the Nepal attack. Anthony Mosca blazed an unbeaten 62 off just 32 balls, smashing three fours and six sixes, while Justin Mosca powered his way to 60 not out off 44 deliveries, including five fours and three sixes.

The siblings took no prisoners with the willow as Italy chased down the modest target in just 12.4 overs, sealing a commanding victory that will live long in the memory.

Anthony Mosca. Photo: Cricinfo

For Nepal, Dipendra Singh Airee was the most economical bowler with 0/24 in 3.4 overs, but there was little he could do to halt Italy’s charge.

Head coach John Davison said the win meant far more than just two points.

“Overriding emotion – there were definitely a few tears in the guys’ eyes. It meant a lot to a lot of the players out there, particularly the two Mosca boys. Being brothers and both getting fifties in a chase like that was phenomenal,” said Davison.

Ben Maneti. Photo: Cricinfo

“It was also a phenomenal effort in the field. In our first game, nothing really went our way, and today everything seemed to fall into place. But I think that’s a reflection of how brave we were in this match. In our first hit-out at the World Cup, we were probably a bit tentative.

“What does it mean for Italian cricket? I think it puts us on the map. This could be front-page news in Italy. To get that kind of exposure – maybe even knock the Winter Olympics off the back page – would be unbelievable for cricket in the country.”

Harry Maneti. Photo: Cricinfo

Captain Harry Manenti said that, as arguably the most unlikely cricket nation at the tournament, their unity and brotherhood are their greatest strengths.

“We’re a very close-knit team. It’ll probably start in the changeroom and on the bus ride home – unfortunately, the bus is only five minutes,” he laughed.

“I remember during our first qualifiers in Rome, we finished top of the tournament and had a long drive home. We sat there, drank Peronis, had a good laugh and sang songs. That won’t change. We’ll spend time together tonight and really soak it in, because moments like this can pass you by if you’re not careful.”

Next up for the Azzurri is a mouth-watering clash against England at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg