Scotland vs Italy ICC MT20 WC, 2026, Full Score Card

OUT! TAKEN! With Wayne Madsen making no move from the dugout, it's all over for the debutants. Brad Wheal delivers it on a good length, outside off, Ali Hasan swings only to balloon up his shot to cover. Richie Berrington runs back and takes a safe catch over his shoulder. SCOTLAND WIN BY 73 RUNS.

Short of a length, outside off, Hasan hangs his bat and checks his shot as he taps it to cover.

Shorter delivery, nipping back in on the hips, Kalugamage tucks it to square leg for a single.

Bowls a shorter delivery on off, Kalugamage bends his back and sways away to let it go.

With Wayne Madsen out of the game, Ali Hasan is the last batter in for Italy.

OUT! TAKEN! It's been a catching practise session lately for Scotland. Floats a fuller delivery on middle, Draca slog-sweeps on the shorter side but doesn't power it much. Hits it straight to Brandon McMullen at deep mid-wicket, who takes a dolly. It's falling apart rather quickly for Italy.

Slightly full and around off, Kalugamage crunches it to long off for a single.

Slows up the flighted delivery on middle, Kalugamage leans and defends it well.

Angling on the pads, TD flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Pushed through, a bit quicker on leg, Draca gets inside the line to paddle it away but wears it outside on his pads.

Almost chopped on! The armball, comes in by a long way, nipping in on middle, Thomas Draca goes back to flick it away but inside edges it onto the pads.

Fuller one at the stumps, squeezed away into the off side. 4-0-17-4, a sensational effort from Michael Leask.

Shortish length around off, dabbed down behind point for a single.

Scotland are in a hurry now. Thomas Draca replaces Gian-Piero Meade.

OUT! TAKEN! A four-fer for Michael Leask. Tossed up, fuller and on leg stump. Gian-Piero Meade clears the front leg to go big but doesn't quite get to the pitch of the delivery. Ends up chipping it down to Brandon McMullen at long on, who gobbles up an easy catch. Meade departs for a two-ball duck and Scotland are effectively two wickets away from the win.

Flatter one on the pads, nudged away towards mid-wicket.

Dragged short and angled across off, tapped away behind point for a single.

Michael Leask and George Munsey combine once again. The duo combine for the third time today. Also, the fourth catch for Munsey. Crishan Kalugamage walks to the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT! Things are falling apart rather quickly here for the Italians as George Munsey hangs on to his fourth catch of the game. Michael Leask uses that angle from around the wicket really well again. This is bowled a bit shorter and angled across off. Grant Stewart rocks back to hit it down the ground but lofts it down to long off where Munsey takes a simple catch. Leask has his third wicket as well.

DRINKS BREAK! Benjamin Manenti's wicket has settled the game in Scotland's favour. It's a stiff chase from hereon with the Italians a batter short as well. This chase will definitely test the batting depth of the debutants. Can Italy find motivation from somewhere, or will Scotland run through the line-up now? Gian-Piero Meade joins Grant Stewart in the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT! Oliver Davidson has the last laugh and this might be the wicket that settles it for Scotland. Tossed-up delivery, full and around off. Benjamin Manenti hangs deep in the crease and plays the lofted drive over extra cover. There's not much elevation or power on it and Michael Jones takes a fine catch moving to his left from long off. Oliver Davidson gives a send-off to Manenti as well. Ben departs after making a fine 52 off just 31 balls but Italy are now 5 down for 129.

Dragged length outside off, slapped away to the left of sweeper cover for a couple of runs more.

SIX! Stand and deliver! Benjamin Manenti is the first Italian batter to score a FIFTY in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. This is bowled well short over middle, Manenti hangs back and dismissively swats it over long on for a biggie. A maiden T20I half-century for him as well.

Flatter again, angled into the pads, tucked away through mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter armball, darted into middle and leg, Manenti stays back and tucks it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Wow, what a shot! Floated up, full and outside off, Benjamin Manenti leans back and smokes it flat over the cover region and the ball canters to the fence.

Change from both ends. Oliver Davidson to bowl now. 25 runs off his 2 overs so far.

Nice and full, on leg stump, Benjamin Manenti drives it down to long on. Just 2 runs and a wicket off the over, could be a game-changing one from Michael Leask.

Good length around middle, Grant Stewart looks to flick it leg side but miscues it through mid off for a single.

Pulls the length back by a couple of inches and attacks the middle stump. Stewart rocks back to defend.

A bit fuller, darted into middle and leg, Grant Stewart can only block it back to the bowler.

Flatter one around off, jammed into the off side.

Grant Stewart replaces Harry Manenti.

OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the man in the deep and that looked like a lazy shot from Harry Manenti. Michael Leask comes around the wicket and angles it across the off stump on a good length. Manenti stays leg side of the ball and lifts it high up but down the throat of the fielder at long off. George Munsey gobbles up his third catch of the game and the 73-run stand between the Manenti brothers is finally broken. Harry departs for 37 (25) and Italy are 113/4.

Michael Leask (2-0-13-1) is back on.

Play and a miss! Flatter one, on a nagging length and outside off, skids through. Ben backs away to cut but misses. 13 runs off the over, 95 needed off 48 balls.

Fuller and around off, stroked away wide of long off for another brace. It's easy batting right now for Italy.

Dragged length around off, pushed away wide of deep cover for a couple of runs more by Benjamin Manenti.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries and this chase is well and truly alive. Full again, attacking the stumps, Ben stays deep in the crease and pummels it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

FOUR! That's flown away to the fence. Full and around off, fired in. Benjamin Manenti hangs back and powers it to the left of the cover fielder for a boundary.

On a length, slower through the air and outside off. Harry Manenti walks to the off side and helps the sweep down to fine leg for a single.

Short of a good length, angled into the pads, Ben tucks it away wide of deep square leg and picks up a couple of runs. The 100 is now up for Italy as well.

Fuller and on the pads, clipped away down to deep backward square leg for one.

Slower one, back of a length and around off, nudged away to short third.

SIX! Oh, glorious from Harry. Too full and around off, right in the slot. Harry Manenti hits through the line and smacks it back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Very full and swinging into the pads. Ben manages to get an inside edge and the ball goes off the pads just to the leg side. The batters pick up a single and the 50-run stand is up between the Manenti brothers. Hold on, the siren has gone off. A front-foot No Ball from McMullen and a Free Hit to follow...

Another gentle-paced delivery, angled into the pads. Harry nudges it around the corner on the leg side and picks up another single.

Good-length delivery around off, Benjamin Manenti lifts it without much timing and over mid off for a single.

Halfway mark in the chase. Italy are 87/3 and need 121 more in the remaining 60 balls to win. Brandon McMullen to have a bowl now.

One more run to end the over as Benjamin Manenti plays it down to long on. 12 runs off the over. These two have added 47 runs together now.

Flatter delivery, outside off, punched past cover for a single.

SIX! JUST ENOUGH! Calculated shot from Harry as he picks the shorter side, picks up the fuller delivery and slogs it over deep mid-wicket. The fielder is called into the action but the ball sails over his head for a biggie.

Wide! Slows up the pace and flights a bit, over the strip line. Left alone for a wide.

Tossed up, fuller and around off, BM knocks it to deep cover for one more.

Overpitched and bowls it wide of off. Harry Manenti firmly drives it to sweeper cover and runs across.

Fires it full and in line of the stumps, driven down to long off for a single.

Away-angler, on a length and outside off, Harry Manenti gets on his knee to sweep but misses it.

Fuller delivery, attacking the stumps, Harry Manenti gets inside the line and turns it to the right of square leg for an easy couple.

Pushes it full and on middle, drilled down to long on for a single.

FOUR! That was asking to be hit! Too short and on leg, Benjamin Manenti bends his back knee and swipes it across, behind square leg for a boundary.

Angles across a fuller delivery, around off, Harry Manenti takes a premeditated charge and swings but slices his shot to deep point. Well short of the fielder for a single.

Pitches it up on leg, Benjamin Manenti clears his front leg and chips it uppishly past Leask and to long on for a single.

Fractionally short and outside off, Benjamin Manenti hits the width away to deep point for one more.

The armball, holds a bit in the deck, around off, Benjamin Manenti pats it back to Watt.

One more run as Harry Manenti plays the fuller delivery past cover for one more.

Tossed up, outside off, knocked past cover for a single.

FOUR! CHANCE! Watt hits the deck, bowls it short and outside off, Benjamin Manenti forces his cut shot and outside edges it to the right of short third. Brad Wheal dives and attempts with both hands but fails to get close to the ball. It rolls past him for a boundary.

Mark Watt bowls at a nice trajectory, flatter and outside off, Benjamin Manenti tries to punch it square but misses.

A length ball, around off, punched to mid off to end the over with a single.

The off-cutter on the fuller side and on middle, Harry Manenti tries to wrist it away but plays off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket for a single.

Brad Wheal hits the deck hard and bowls it around off, at a good height for Harry Manenti who offers no shot to it.

Call is for two, but they settle with one. On a nagging length and around off, nudged in front of deep mid-wicket for one.

On a good length, outside off, Harry Manenti guides it nicely to third man for a single.

This is full and on middle, drilled to long on for a single.

DRINKS BREAK! A fast and furious first 6 overs in the chase and although Italy are going at 9 runs an over, they have lost 3 big wickets. Scotland won't mind the runs as long as the wickets keep coming and that is one risk they are willing to take, it seems. A lot rests on the shoulders of the Manenti brothers for Italy as their skipper Wayne Madsen won't take further part in this game. The middle phase, which is generally the consolidation phase, is going to be crucial. Let's see how the game shapes up.

SIX! Italy end the Powerplay on a good note. Yet another solid shot from Harry! Touch too full and sliding on middle and leg, Harry picks the angle and sweeps it flat, good height behind the ball and it rolls over the square leg fence. The batting team are 54/3 after the first six overs.

In-angler, fuller delivery on middle, Harry Manenti eases it back to Oliver.

FOUR! Oh, such a good-looking shot! Touch fuller, around off, nothing wrong with the delivery. Harry Manenti presses forward and firmly drives it through extra-cover for a boundary.

Gives width and bowls it touch short. Harry Manenti gets on his toes as he punches but finds the man at cover.

Flatter delivery from Oliver Davidson, around off, Harry Manenti taps it to the bowler.

The misfield allows three runs! Length delivery, outside off, Benjamin Manenti slaps it to point where the odd bounce pushes the ball past the fielder there. The batters run three as the ball rolls in the deep.

Fired in, full and towards middle and leg, Benjamin Manenti pushes it down to long on for a single.

Shorter one around off, played off the back foot and in front of point.

The Mosca brothers are back in the hut. The Manenti brothers are in the middle. Benjamin joins Harry.

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and who else but George Munsey to take another brilliant catch. Mark Watt bowls it short and just wide outside off. Anthony Mosca sets up to cut off the back foot but is undone by the extra bounce. Mosca ends up slicing it uppishly to the left of backward point. Munsey puts a lunging dive to his left and snaffles a solid low catch. The other Mosca brother walks back for 13 (12) and Italy are 40/3 inside the first 5 overs.

Shortish length and around off, Mosca hangs back and nudges it down in front of point.

Flatter one, angled in from outside off. Mosca rocks back and jams it to cover.

'Catch it' is the call but it lands well short. Tossed up on off, Manenti plays the lofted drive over mid off and gets it on the bounce to long off for a single.

Bowling change. Mark Watt to bowl for the first time.

Back of a length and on off, Mosca stands tall and taps it down to covers.

FOUR! Oh, well adjusted by Mosca. Back of a length and angled well across off. Anthony Mosca hops to the off side and guides it off the gloves and threads the narrow gap between the keeper and short third, picking up four runs.

Nagging length on middle, Manenti gets a bit squared up and edges it down to short third. Anthony Mosca at the other end calls for the single and the batters scamper through to make it in time.

A bit slower and fuller on middle and leg, Manenti hangs back and defends it right under the eyes.

Back of a length and outside off, Harry Manenti reaches out and slaps it away to the left of deep point for a couple of runs.

A rapid innings from JJ Smuts comes to an end. Harry Manenti comes in at number 4.

OUT! CAUGHT! Entertaining while it lasted but JJ Smuts has to walk back and Brad Currie is ecstatic with that wicket. Smartly bowled by Currie as he takes the pace off and pitches it fuller around off. Smuts is drawn into the drive but ends up chipping it off the face of the blade. Richie Berrington at short cover, reacts sharply and lunges to his right to grab the catch. Smuts walks back after making 22 (11) and Italy are now 32/2 after 3.1 overs.

SIX! Wow, that sounded amazing off the bat and Anthony Mosca now joins the fun. Slower length ball, right in the hitting arc. Mosca waits well and pummels it across and over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. 23 off the over and Italy are back in it.

Pitched up fuller, Mosca punches it to mid off.

Much better length from Wheal. Full of a good length and around off, Smuts looks to drive but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls off the pads towards backward point and they get a single.

SIX! Italy have lift off! Another drag down by Brad Wheal, just sits up for the batter. JJ Smuts swivels on the back foot and pulls it flat and into the advertisement board over the square leg fence.

FOUR! Oh, the timing on that is glorious. Good length on middle, Smuts just tucks it to the right of mid-wicket and gets it through the infield. The ball keeps speeding away and even beats the fielder who was running across to his left from deep square leg.

SIX! That's nonchalantly put away by JJ Smuts. Short of a length, angled into the hips, Smuts picks the length early and hangs back before hoicking it over long leg for Italy's first six in the T20 World Cup.

Just one over for Michael Leask. Brad Wheal is introduced into the attack.

That should have been put away and Anthony Mosca knows it. Short and wide, angling further away, Mosca has a waft at it but is beaten.

On a good length and slanted wide outside off, Mosca is early to walk across to the off side. He adjusts and just glides it down to the right of deep third for a couple of runs.

Good length on leg, cramping the batter for room. Mosca looks to flick but wears it on the side of the front pad.

A bit slower and on a hard length around off, Smuts hops back and taps it behind square leg for a run.

WIDE! Strays in line, does Currie. Good length, starts on leg stump and swings down the leg side for a wide.

Fuller than a good length, shaping into the pads. Mosca nudges it behind square on the leg side and picks up a single to get off the mark.

Back of a length, angling away from the right-hander. Anthony Mosca gets up on his toes and edges it down to short third.

Brad Currie to bowl from the other end.

FOUR! First runs for Italy in the Men's T20 World Cup and it comes in the form of a boundary. This is floated up around leg stump, JJ Smuts sits down and helps it well over short fine leg for a boundary. Italy are 4/1 after one.

Fuller now, fired in on off and middle. JJ Smuts chips it towards mid off.

Slightly dragged length, a touch slower and on off. Smuts backs away again and punches it firmly to extra cover.

Pushed through flatter and angled across off, Smuts backs away to cut but is beaten past the outside edge.

Leask continues from around the wicket. Floated up on leg, JJ Smuts fails to get it away.

Out goes Justin Mosca, in comes JJ Smuts.

OUT! CAUGHT! Taken first ball! George Munsey can do no wrong today and that's an ominous start for Italy with the bat. Michael Leask starts around the wicket and drops a loosener wide outside off. It is short and wide, begging to be put away. Justin Mosca rocks back and slices it to the right of backward point where Munsey puts in a horizontal dive and snaffles it with both hands. A golden duck for one of the Mosca brothers and Leask is delighted.

SIX! Oh, Thomas Draca, what have you done? An over that started with so much promise has turned into a nightmare for the bowling side. Draca goes for the yorker but ends up serving a waist-high full toss. Michael Leask presses back and swings it handsomely over deep mid-wicket for a mammoth six. It is checked for a No Ball for height but the third umpire confirms that it was below waist height. 22 off the final over and Scotland finish with 207/4 on the board!

SIX! Wow, Michael Leask is turning on the heat in this final over. Just short of a good length and fairly straight, Leask hangs back, makes a bit of room and clubs it over long on for a six. Scotland bring up 200 runs for the first time in a T20 World Cup match.

FOUR! That sounded so sweet off the bat and Scotland are just one hit away from breaching the 200-run mark. Slower one, short and over middle, Leask hangs back and flat-bats the pull perfectly between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Banged in short and over the stumps, Leask backs away to pull but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls away behind square on the leg side and the batters pick up a couple of runs.

FOUR! That's rocketed to the fence. Full and outside off, Michael Leask laces this cover drive and gets it through the gap for a boundary.

Michael Leask is the next batter in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Italy are wrestling back some momentum late in the first innings. Thomas Draca serves it on a good length and attacks the stumps. Tom Bruce hangs back and makes room to heave it leg side but loses his shape. This is sliced towards backward point where Justin Mosca takes a couple of steps back and pouches it safely. Draca, the man who calls the Aussie pace legend Dennis Lillie his 'godfather', has just picked up his first wicket in a World Cup.

An outstanding19th over from Ali Hasan has given Italy some hope of keeping Scotland under 200. Thomas Draca to bowl the final over.

Pitched up full and outside off, Tom Bruce hammers it on the bounce to long off for a single. Just 4 runs and a wicket off the 19th over.

Out goes Richie Berrington, in comes Tom Bruce.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Ali Hasan wins the game of cat and mouse and the Scottish skipper has to walk back. A bit slower, on a length and darted across off. Berrington is hell-bent on shuffling across and targeting the shorter leg side boundary but ends up edging this one behind to the keeper. Gian-Piero Meade makes no mistake and Hasan is rewarded for some consistent bowling. Scotland are now 184/3.

And again! Very full and angled across off. Berrington walks to the off side and looks to sweep but is beaten again.

That's well bowled by Hasan. Full and wide outside off again, follows the batter and gets it right in the blockhole. Berrington looks to sweep but misses.

Mishit but McMullen gets away with it. Full and angled across off, albeit a touch slower. Brandon McMullen picks it up and lofts it on the bounce to long off for a single.

Pitched up fuller and angled across off, McMullen stays low and drags it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Ali Hasan to bowl the penultimate over.

A low full toss, slanting into the legs, Berrington hoicks it away to the right of deep mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs.

Full again, sliding it down the leg side, McMullen sits down and helps it down to long leg for a single.

Fuller and attacking the stumps, hacked away off the inside edge and behind square leg for another single.

Back of a length and around off, lofted over mid off for a single.

WIDE! Again! Fuller and darted down leg, McMullen looks to flick it but misses.

WIDE! A bouncer, sliding down leg, McMullen lets it go to the keeper.

SIX! That's shot of the day, surely. Into the surface, the cutter on middle, lands nicely for McMullen, who takes a step forward and punches it aerially over long on and it goes the distance. Proper cricketing shot.

A low dipping fuller delivery on middle, McMullen whips it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Fine shot from the skipper. Back of a length and around off, Richie Berrington gets across and inside the line, lapping it down on one knee and over short fine leg for a boundary.

That's well struck but equally well fielded. Full and outside off, Berrington reaches out and smacks it flat to deep extra cover. Grant Stewart from long off runs across and makes a fine stop. Two taken.

FOUR! Flayed away to the fence. Tossed up, full and outside off, Richie Berrington throws his hands at it and slices it wide of short third for a boundary.

Floated up around middle, McMullen eases it through mid on for one.

Smartly bowled. Tossed up, full and wide but really slow. Smuts just saw Berrington lining up the big shot and slowed it up. This is squeezed towards backward point for a run.

On a length, angled into middle and leg, McMullen stays back and works it through mid-wicket for one.

Short and outside off, cut away to deep point for a single.

SIX! Oh, that's exquisite from McMullen. Flighted ball around off, BM makes room by moving down the leg side and goes inside-out over extra cover for another biggie. 150 is now up for Scotland.

SIX! That's a fine shot from Brandon McMullen. Tossed up, full and angled into the hitting arc. McMullen stays put and hits through the line, nailing it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Shorter one on middle, pushed down to long on for a couple of runs more.

Oh, just short! Flighted ball on middle and leg, Richie backs away and lofts it flat and on the bounce to long on. Grant Stewart does well to get his body behind it and keeps it down to a single.

Tossed up at the stumps, eased down to long on for a single.

Pushed through, fuller and just outside off, Richie Berrington leans to drive but gets beaten on the inside edge.

OUT! GONE! One brings two. An armball, pushes it wide of off, Jones tries to clear the man at cover as he swings hard but hits it straight to Harry Manenti there, who bends forward and gets low to pick up right above the ground. So, both the set batters are back in the hut. Also, Richie Berrington is the new batter in.

Too full and around off, driven down to long off for a single.

SIX! That sounded so good off the blade. Flights a bit on the fuller side and around off, Brandon McMullen slog-sweeps and nails his shot over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Tossed up, fuller and on middle and leg, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

An armball, length and around off, this is punched to cover.

Bangs it short and on leg, not that short and Brandon McMullen pulls it to square leg to get his innings underway.

OUT! TAKEN! Italy get the first wicket of their World Cup campaign. Better late than never. Grant Stewart keeps it wide outside off but drags his length and bowls into the surface. Munsey throws his bat as he tries to pull but was in no shape at all. Hits it high and to long on where Harry Manenti reverse cups it near his head. An easy catch and Italy break the 126-run stand. An outstanding knock from George Munsey, 84 (54), comes to an end. Brandon McMullen replaces George Munsey.

Scotland looking to set up a total of around 200.

DRINKS BREAK! A historic first wicket for Italy in the Men's T20 World Cup and it goes to Grant Stewart. However, they are bleeding runs and could be staring at a total of around 200 runs. George Munsey has just departed after playing a stellar knock but he will be gutted to have missed out on a century. Scotland have the wickets in hand and it is now up to Michael Jones to take the reins and make sure his side do not let things slip. Can Italy now calm their nerves and pick up a couple of more wickets, or at least slow down the scoring rate? Let's find out.

FOUR! George Munsey is unstoppable today! Moves to 84! Overpitched, keeps it wide outside off. Munsey uses his feet this time and crunches it to the right of long off for four runs.

Well bowled! Bowls a slower fuller delivery, well outside off, Munsey tries to hit it away without any foot movement and ends up tapping it back to Stewart.

On a good length and around off, Jones plays it down to long off for a run.

SIX! JUST OVER THE FIELDER! Short of a good length, around off, Jones forces his lofted punch shot. Hits it high and just enough to beat the effort from the long on fielder.

Another bowling change from this end as Grant Stewart (2-0-17-0) comes back into the attack.

An appeal for LBW, mainly from Crishan but turned down. Floated on the fuller side on leg, Munsey looks to sweep but misses and wears it on the pads. It was going down leg.

Straight and full on middle, patted back to Crishan Kalugamage.

Slightly short, outside off, too wide and Michael Jones cuts it through point for a single. Jones wants another run but is sent back.

Fuller delivery, outside off, punched past cover for a single.

Wide! Too full on leg, George Munsey looks to sweep it again but misses.

FOUR! That was asking to be hit and Munsey wasn't going to miss out with that kind of line. Well down leg, fuller. Jones slog-sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Bowls it full and wide of off, Jones shuffles across and paddles it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Yorks him with a fuller delivery, outside off, Munsey fails to dig it out.

A bit too full and around off, George Munsey works it wide of long on for a quick couple of runs.

SIX! 100 up for Scotland. Munsey has been so good on the leg side today. Tossed up, around off, easy pickings for Munsey as he slogs it over deep mid-wicket and just over the fielder there for a six. This is the first 100-run partnership for Scotland for any wicket in the Men's T20 World Cup.

Attacking the stumps, fuller delivery and on off, tapped back to the bowler.

It doesn't carry at all, despite the cries of catch! Fractionally short and into the surface, outside off. Jones hoicks across as he goes back, balloons it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up, full and in line of the stumps, Jones eases it to the right of Manenti, who dives and stops it well.

Benjamin Manenti is back into the attack, replacing his brother. He went for 11 runs in his first over.

The Scots manage to get a couple of runs. Length delivery on middle, Munsey gets inside the line and flicks it just wide of square leg to scamper in a brace.

Quicker and slightly short, around off, Jones nudges the googly to square leg for one more.

Bowls it on a length and on leg, Munsey picks it off the pads and tucks it to square leg for a single.

A bit too full as Crishan Kalugamage bowls the wrong 'un on the pads, flicked to square leg for a single.

A googly, flatter trajectory on middle, Munsey whips it to deep square leg for a single.

Tossed up, fuller and on middle, Jones nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

At the halfway mark, Scotland are in a very strong position to end with a big score. Crishan Kalugamage is into the attack for Italy.

A dot to end but Scotland are flying at 91/0 after 10 overs. Slower one, back of a length and angled across off. Munsey reaches out and pats it down to covers.

Short ball, at the bodyline line, Jones leans back and manages to pull it through square leg for a single.

SIX! Michael Jones is now on the charge. Banged in short but angled down leg, Jones stays inside the line of the ball and hooks it over fine leg for a maximum.

Excellent running. Slower one into the pitch, nurdled away into the gap at mid-wicket and the batters raced back for the second run.

Back of a length and slower too, Munsey walks across to access the leg side but adjusts and hits it down to long off for a single.

WIDE! Full and wide outside off, darts further away, left alone by Munsey.

FOUR! That's been bludgeoned away by Munsey. A bit slower and angled well across the left-hander. George Munsey reaches out, waits a bit and just flat-bats it straight down the ground for a boundary.

A peach of a delivery to end a fine over from JJ Smuts, just 2 runs off it. Slower through the air, floated up from wider on the crease. This one angles in to begin with but grips and turns away. Michael Jones has a poke at it but the ball beats the outside edge.

Floated up on middle and leg, GM backs away leg side and swats it off the inner half of the blade to long on for a single.

Slightly tossed up, not all that full and on off. Munsey sets up for the reverse sweep but ends up wearing it on the pads.

UPDATE - Ian Bishop, on-air, has just confirmed that Italy's skipper, Wayne Madsen, has dislocated his shoulder and will take no further part in this game. What a blow to Italy in their very first game of this mega event.

Angled in with the arm, from outside off, Jones pushes it through covers for a single.

A bit fuller and at the stumps, Jones fails to get it away.

Slower through the air, sliding back in, Jones taps it back to the bowler.

Benjamin Manenti finishes the over strongly. Keeps it full and outside off, Munsey drives well but Manenti dives to his right and stops certain runs.

A low full toss, outside off. George Munsey lean across and plays it back to the bowler.

Gets away with it this time, does Benjamin Manenti. Full and wide outside off, lands inside the tramline this time and Munsey lets it go.

WIDE! Fired in again, wide outside off and this one goes beyond the tramline. Munsey leaves it alone.

Flatter one at the stumps, jammed back to the bowler.

FOUR! Fired it wide outside off, Munsey gets across again and swats it away wide of mid-wicket for another boundary.

SIX! Fifty for George Munsey and what a way to reach there! Tossed up outside off, Munsey is quick to walk across and go down on one knee before walloping it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 14th T20I half century for Munsey.

Spin from both ends. The stand-in skipper for Italy, Benjamin Manenti to bowl now.

Fullish length on middle, pushed down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Not where he intended it to go, but George Munsey is really frustrating the Italians now. Floated up, on off and middle, Munsey brings out the reverse sweep and gets a top edge. The ball goes fine and over short third for a boundary.

A good-looking shot from Michael Jones. Tossed up on off and middle, MJ backs away a bit and just strokes the lofted drive over extra cover. The fielder at long off runs a long way to his left and dives in to save the boundary. Three taken.

WIDE! Flatter one, darted down the leg side.

Straighter one, in line with the stumps, Jones blocks it off.

FOUR! Oh, that's beautifully bowled but Jones will pick up a boundary. Around the wicket to the right-hander, bowling it fuller on off. The ball grips a bit and Jones is squared up. The ball takes the outside edge and rolls away into the deep third fence.

Flighted ball, on a nagging length and around off. Musey presses forward and nudges it in front of mid-wicket for an easy single. 50 UP FOR SCOTLAND!

DRINKS BREAK! The Powerplay is over and Scotland are in the driver's seat at this stage. For Italy, for the first time asking, have dropped one catch down but more importantly, have lost their skipper, Wayne Madsen, through an injury. So, Italy are chasing a bit already but a lot of time for them to regroup and control the next phase. Also, time for some spin, JJ Smuts is into the attack.

DROPPED! A huge opportunity on the last ball of the Powerplay but Justin Mosca has spilled it. Seemed like a cutter from Stewart, bowled on a hard length and outside off. George Munsey throws the hands at it and slices it up and just over covers. Three fielders from inside the ring run after it but it is Mosca who is the closest and gets under it, but lets it through the hands. Munsey gets a single.

Good length, just outside off, Munsey tries to power it through covers but miscues it badly.

FOUR! That's streaky but George Munsey is already into the 40s. Pitched up fuller again and outside off, Munsey attempts the same shot from the last ball but gets the toe end of the blade and the ball races away past the keeper, and into the deep third fence.

FOUR! That's classic Munsey. Full and outside off, GM walks across and inside the line of the ball, whipping it away through square leg and the fielder at deep backward square leg cannot cut it off.

Oh, extra bounce! Short of a good length and in the channel, the ball holds a bit in the deck and springs off the deck. Munsey has a poke at it but is beaten.

Good-length delivery on the pads, Jones clips it away through square leg and turns the strike over.

Grant Stewart (1-0-7-0) returns to the attack. No signs of spin yet from Italy.

Some extra bounce seen for the first time. Jones steps down and punches off the higher part of the blade to cover and retains the strike.

Touch short, angling on the hips. Munsey picks up and works it behind square leg for one more.

Into the surface, hard length and outside off, Jones punches on his toes to the cover fielder, who half-stops to his right and allows a single.

On a nagging length and around the fourth stump. GM strokes it to mid off for a quick single.

This is full and around off, George Munsey pushes it to mid off.

A stifled appeal for LBW but it's given as a run. Hasan bowls on the fuller side, across the eyeline of Jones, on leg, who fails to flick and wears it on the pads. It rolls to square leg for a single. It was anyways pitching outside leg.

Will Ali Hasan get a third over in a row? Yes, he will. 2 overs for 12 runs so far for Hasan.

A dot to end but 15 runs off the over. Pushed it full and bowls it wide of off, George Munsey plants his foot across to drive it away but misses.

Short in length, on off, pulled past square leg for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Hat trick of boundaries. Serious start by Scotland and Munsey! Draca offers width on the off side on a good length. Munsey fetches the ball and hammers it past cover-point in the gap for four runs.

FOUR! Beautiful from George Munsey once again! Draca goes very full and bowls it outside off, Munsey hits it straight, his bat turns a bit but it allows him to hit it past the bowler and between mid on and mid off for four.

Uh, oh! That doesn't look good at all for Italy. Wayne Madsen seems to have overstretched that left arm while trying to stop the ball and might have just dislocated that left shoulder. He seems to be in a lot of pain and is going off the field for now. Hopefully, the Italian skipper is fine, but for now, it will be Harry Manenti to lead the side.

FOUR! Strong from Munsey! First boundary for Munsey on the leg side. Back of a length, outside off, Munsey pulls it to the left of the mid on fielder for a boundary. Oh, dear! The skipper of Italy, Wayne Madsen, was the fielder there and he hurt himself while diving across. He holds his left hand as he makes his way back to the dugout.

WIDE! Shorter delivery, a bit too wide and almost over the tramline. Munsey swings his blade and misses.

Thomas Draca serves a fuller length delivery, outside off, George Munsey leans and punches it to cover.

Time for a bowling change? Yes, indeed. Thomas Draca comes into the attack, replacing Grant Stewart.

Swing and a miss! Tidy over from Hasan! Angles across a shorter delivery, with some width. Jones flashes his blade and misses.

Almost found the gap but good fielding! Short in length, outside off, Munsey pulls it to the left of the mid on fielder, who dives across and stops it for a run. 500 runs for George Munsey in ICC Men's T20 World Cups, as mentioned by Ian Bishop on-air.

Nicely bowled! Gets it to nip back in a fraction around off and bowls it on the shorter side. Munsey tries to fend it away but ends up nudging it back on the deck. Three dots in a row.

In the channel, around the sixth stump and on the fuller side. George Munsey steps across and knocks it to cover.

Ali Hasan targets the stumps with a length ball. Munsey half-presses and nicely taps it in front of point.

Back of a length, around off, Jones is pegged back as he chops it to point for a run.

FOUR! First solid shot from Munsey's blade. Grant Stewart overpitches it up, just outside off. Munsey frees his arms, swings down and lofts it over mid off for his third boundary.

Short of a good length and on middle, Jones bunts it to square leg and runs across.

Grant Stewart keeps it full, around off, seaming away late. Jones charges down but ends up digging it to cover.

An inswinging fuller delivery from around the wicket to the left-hander. On middle, Munsey turns it to mid-wicket for one more.

Jones opens his account. Fuller and a bit of inward shape on it. Jones fends it in front of mid on and scampers across for a single.

Right on the money! On a hard length and on middle and off, Michael Jones hangs back to defend it out.

The last two balls spoil a very decent first over for the Italians. Grant Stewart will start proceedings from the other end.

FOUR! Squirts it again but it all counts. 10 off the first over. Hasan keeps it in the channel, wide of off. Munsey plays with hard hands as he slashes his drive, gets a thick outside edge, which balloons over backward point for another boundary.

FOUR! First boundary of the game. Ali Hasan offers width, bowls it short and wide of off. George Munsey throws his blade and flashes it over backward point and it rolls to the fence.

Scotland are up and running! Overpitched delivery, on middle, George Munsey punches it straight down the ground, not off the middle of the blade and settles with a brace to his name.

Hasan gets it to shape in a little bit, on a good length and around off, Munsey keeps it out on the leg side.

Pitches it up, looking for some swing but nothing so far. This is outside off. George Munsey leans and drives it to the cover fielder.

Hard hands from Munsey! Touch fuller and around off from over the wicket. Munsey punches a bit uppishly and to the left of cover.

Done with the pre-match formalities and it is now time to play! Former T20 World Cup winner with West Indies, Samuel Badree, rings the bell signalling the start of play. The umpires are out in the middle and the Italians quickly get into a huddle before spreading out onto the field of play. It will be the duo of Michael Jones and George Munsey to open the innings for Scotland. Ali Hasan has the new ball in hand and is ready to bowl the first over for Italy in a World Cup. Let's play...

Time for the anthems - The two sets of players are out in the middle for their respective national anthems. It will be the Italian national anthem played at a Cricket World Cup for the first time ever, followed by the Scottish national anthem.

Scotland's captain - RICHIE BERRINGTON says they are happy to bat first, as the surface is good to bat on. Shares that it was a great experience to play against the West Indies, they were happy to stretch the game till the deep and were in a strong position in the game. Mentions that Italy are a really good team but they'll focus on their strengths. Informs Brad Wheal comes in for Safyaan Sharif.

The skipper of Italy - WAYNE MADSEN says that they will bowl first because the wicket looks good and it might be hard to defend. Adds that they are really excited and it is all about expressing themselves out in the middle. Mentions that they don't have the luxury of being together as a group for a long time but had a good couple of weeks of preparation ahead of the tournament. Ends by saying that they are here to win games.

Scotland (Playing XI) - George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (C), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (WK), Mark Watt, Michael Leask, Oliver Davidson, Brad Wheal (In for Safyaan Sharif), and Brad Currie.

Italy (Playing XI) - Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen (C), Harry Manenti, Benjamin Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade (WK), Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca, and Ali Hasan.

TOSS - Up goes the coin, and it lands in favour of Wayne Madsen. Italy elect to BOWL first!

The Scottish group - Standing in their way is a wounded Scotland side, desperate to find their footing after a bruising 35-run defeat to the West Indies. The Scots will be looking to erase the memories of Romario Shepherd’s hat-trick and reclaim their status as the kings of the Associate members. Adding fuel to the fire is the history between these two, Italy claimed a 12-run victory the last time they met in the 2025 qualifiers. As Scotland seeks redemption and Italy hunts for a historic debut win, the stage is set for a thriller. Will the Italian momentum carry them to glory, or will Scotland’s experience prevail? Grab your seats, cricket’s newest rivalry is about to take centre stage. Toss and team sheets next.

A historic debut for Azzurri - The narrative surrounding this Italian side is one of fascinating heritage and seasoned professional talent. While they may have narrowly lost their recent series against Ireland, the form of opener Anthony Mosca and the tactical leadership of new captain Wayne Madsen, a dual-sport athlete with deep roots in the game, suggests a team that is battle-hardened. Despite the absence of Joe Burns, the squad boasts a potent mix of experience and raw potential, from the all-round capabilities of JJ Smuts to the dark horse pace of Thomas Draca, groomed by the legendary Dennis Lillee. Their dominant warm-up victory over the UAE, where they dismantled the opposition for just 81 runs, serves as a stern warning: Italy isn't just here to participate; they are here to compete.

Welcome to Eden Gardens - History is often written by the underdogs, and today at the legendary Eden Gardens, we witness a chapter over a decade in the making. Welcome to this monumental Group C clash where Italy makes the first-ever appearance in a T20 World Cup against Scotland. For a nation synonymous with the pitch of a different kind, seeing the Azzurri blue at Kolkata marks a seismic shift in the global cricketing landscape. After a gritty second-place finish in the 2025 Europe Region Qualifiers, Italy has transitioned from a continental curiosity to a genuine World Cup contender, ready to prove that their rise is no fluke.

...MATCH DAY...

Match intro - The stage is set for an intriguing European Derby on the grand stage of cricket. Match 7 of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sees Scotland take on tournament debutants Italy at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. While Scotland enters as the more seasoned side, Italy’s 'Azzurri' have quickly become the talk of the tournament, arriving with a squad bolstered by high-profile talent and a chip on their shoulder. With powerhouses England and the West Indies also in Group C, this match is effectively a must-win for both sides if they harbor any dreams of a Super 8 qualification. Scotland's aspirations - Scotland is looking to bounce back after a tough opening-match loss to the West Indies. Richie Berrington, the captain and the bedrock of the Scottish middle order, will be looking to step up. His experience in rotating strike against spin will be vital on a Kolkata pitch that often grips in the afternoon heat. At the same time, George Munsey's ability to manipulate the field during the Powerplay can take the game away from Italy early. Also, someone like Mark Watt can be used to keep a check on Italy's aggressive power-hitters. Scotland know this is the game they need to win to prove that they are still one of the best associate nations in the sport. Italy's grand debut - Italy’s squad is no longer just a collection of enthusiasts; it’s a professional unit featuring several mercenaries with deep top-tier experience. Their skipper, Wayne Madsen, the 42-year-old Derbyshire legend has brought a level of professional steel to the Italian side. His late-career international debut is one of the feel-good stories of the year. JJ Smuts, the former South African international provides a massive boost as an all-rounder. His left-arm orthodox spin and hard-hitting batting make him the most dangerous player on the pitch. With Benjamin and Harry Manenti, along with Anthony and Justin Mosca, Italy has a unique family core built on tough Sydney grade-cricket experience and they will be looking to use all of it on the world stage. Form (Last 5 completed T20Is, most recent first) - Scotland - LLLWW | Italy - WLLLW Pitch and conditions - Eden Gardens is traditionally a batter's paradise with lightning-fast outfields, but as the match progresses, it tends to favor the spinners. While pacers have historically takenmore of the wickets here, the morning start means the sun will be beating down, likely drying out the surface and aiding Scotland’s Mark Watt and Italy’s JJ Smuts. Looking ahead - Scotland starts as the favorite due to their collective experience in ICC events. However, Italy's new-look roster, filled with players who have spent years in the English County and South African domestic circuits, means they won't be intimidated by the occasion. If the Italian top order clicks, we could be looking at the first major upset of 2026. Who are you backing for the win?