Nepal suffered an early setback in their crucial ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Group C clash against Italy at the Wankhede Stadium, losing opener Kushal Bhurtel for 5 as the innings got underway. Italy's stand-in captain Harry Manenti won the toss and opted to field first, employing a surprising tactic by starting with spin from the first over. The move paid dividends, restricting Nepal to a cautious start before Ali Hasan struck to remove Bhurtel, caught at cover point after a miscued shot. Nepal were 10/1 in the early overs, with Aasif Sheikh and captain Rohit Paudel at the crease attempting to steady the innings.

Italy's decision to bowl first followed their heavy defeat to Scotland in their tournament opener, where they conceded 207/4 and were bowled out for 134. With regular captain Wayne Madsen sidelined by a shoulder injury from that match, Manenti leads the side in a bid for their maiden World Cup win. The Italian bowlers, including Hasan and off-spinner Benjamin Manenti, maintained tight lines and lengths on a pitch expected to offer some assistance early on. Nepal, coming off a narrow four-run loss to England where they chased 185 valiantly, made one change by bringing in left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi for Sher Malla to bolster their spin options.

Nepal's top order has been under pressure in this tournament, with openers looking to provide a solid platform in must-win encounters. Bhurtel's dismissal highlighted the risks of aggressive play against disciplined bowling, as he attempted a cut but failed to time it cleanly. Rohit Paudel, who has been a key anchor for Nepal, walked in to partner Aasif Sheikh, with the team aiming to build a competitive total against an Italy side eager to exploit any momentum from their early breakthrough. The match carries significance for both teams in a wide-open Group C, where points are vital for progression.

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This fixture marks Italy's second appearance in the T20 World Cup, following their historic qualification, while Nepal continue their campaign to secure a first win and boost their net run rate. Live updates show Nepal navigating the powerplay carefully, with extras contributing in the opening overs. Italy's strategy of spin upfront disrupted the usual fast-scoring start, forcing the Nepali batsmen to play with restraint. As the innings progresses, Nepal will look to accelerate through their middle order, including Dipendra Singh Airee and Lokesh Bam, to post a defendable score on a venue known for high-scoring games.

The contest underscores the growing competitiveness of associate nations in global cricket, with both sides bringing unique strengths to the table. Nepal's spin-heavy attack could prove effective later if they set a reasonable target, while Italy's all-rounders like JJ Smuts and Grant Stewart offer balance. With the game in its early stages, every phase—particularly the middle overs—will be decisive in determining which team gains the upper hand in this battle for crucial points.

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