Scotland delivered a statement performance at Eden Gardens, producing a ruthless all-round display to crush Italy by 73 runs in the 7th Group C match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. After Italy chose to bowl first, Scotland’s batters seized the initiative early and never loosened their grip on the contest.

George Munsey powers Scotland to a massive total

Batting first, Scotland posted a commanding 207/4 in their 20 overs on a flat surface at Eden Gardens. George Munsey anchored the innings with a superb 84 off 54 balls, peppering the boundary with 13 fours and two sixes. Michael Jones provided steady support with a 30-ball 37 before Brandon McMullen injected late-innings venom, blasting 41 off just 18 deliveries, including four towering sixes. Cameos from Richie Berrington and a blistering five-ball 22 from Michael Leask ensured Scotland crossed the 200 mark comfortably.

Italy’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs. Ali Hasan was the pick with figures of 1 for 21 from four overs, while Grant Stewart, JJ Smuts and Thomas Jack Draca picked up a wicket apiece but went for runs as Scotland maintained a relentless scoring rate.

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Michael Leask leads the bowling blitz as Italy falter

Chasing 208, Italy never found momentum and were kept on the back foot by disciplined Scottish bowling. The early loss of Justin Mosca for a duck set the tone, and regular wickets derailed the chase despite some resistance in the middle overs.

Ben Manenti stood tall with a fighting 52 off 31 balls, striking five fours and a six, while Harry Manenti added 37 from 25 to briefly lift hopes. JJ Smuts’ quick 22 off 11 provided early spark, but the asking rate kept climbing as wickets fell at crucial intervals.

Leask produced a match-winning spell, returning outstanding figures of 4 for 17 from four overs to rip through Italy’s middle order. Mark Watt complemented him well with 2 for 24, while Bradley Currie and Oliver Davidson chipped in with timely breakthroughs. Italy were eventually restricted to 134/9 in 16.4 overs. Notably, Italy’s day worsened when captain Wayne Madsen was ruled out of batting after suffering a dislocated shoulder while fielding. His absence further weakened an already uphill chase and left Italy short on experience in a pressure situation.

22* runs and a 4-wicket haul, a match winning performance 🌟#MichaelLeask #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/RsBY3Os07d

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 9, 2026

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