Kathmandu, Feb 12 : Nepal take on Italy in the ICC T20 World Cup today at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The match is scheduled to begin at 3:15 PM Nepali time.
Nepal will step onto the field determined to secure their first victory of the tournament by defeating Italy. After suffering a narrow four-run defeat to England in their opening match, the Rhinos are eager to bounce back and claim their first two points of the campaign.
In the previous game, Lokesh Bam played a fighting knock of 39 runs in the closing stages, keeping Nepal’s hopes alive. However, with 10 runs required in the final over, Nepal managed only five, falling heartbreakingly short.
To overcome Italy today, Nepal will need significant improvement in the death overs — an area that has proven costly. Against England, Nepal conceded 33 runs in the final two overs of the first innings, a lapse that ultimately made the difference.
A big win today is crucial for Nepal to keep their Super Eight hopes alive. Another defeat would virtually end their chances of progressing to the next round. Nepal currently sit fourth in Group ‘C’ without a point from one match. West Indies lead the group with four points from two games, while Scotland and England have two points each.
Meanwhile, Italy — making their World Cup debut — are equally determined to script history. After a 73-run defeat to Scotland in their opening fixture, Italy will be aiming to stun Nepal and register their first-ever World Cup win.
In terms of recent form, Italy have won one and lost four of their last five matches, whereas Nepal have recorded four wins and one defeat in the same span.
With both teams desperate for points, today’s clash promises high intensity and high stakes in Mumbai.
