Scotland registered their first win of the T20 World Cup with a dominant 73-run victory over a captain-less Italy at Eden Gardens on Sunday, cruising to an emphatic result in Group C. A clinical all-round display underlined Scotland’s growing consistency, while Italy struggled to match the intensity in their tournament debut.

Batting first after Italy opted to bowl, Scotland piled up an imposing 207 for 4. Openers George Munsey and Brandon McMullen laid a solid platform, with Munsey anchoring the innings with a commanding 84 before falling in the 12th over, ending a 126-run opening stand. Late-order acceleration, including a 22-run final over, ensured Scotland crossed the 200-mark comfortably.

Italy’s chase never truly gathered momentum despite brief resistance from brothers Harry and Benjamin Manenti. Benjamin Manenti brought up a fighting half-century, but wickets fell in clusters at both ends of the innings, preventing any sustained comeback.

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Michael Leask starred with the ball, finishing with figures of 4 for 17 after also contributing a quickfire 22 not out with the bat. Scotland’s fielding stood out, with sharp catching applying constant pressure on the Italian batters as the required run rate kept climbing.

A major concern for Italy was the fitness of captain Wayne Madsen, who was forced off the field early after suffering a shoulder injury and did not return. With Madsen sidelined, Italy folded for 134, nine wickets being enough for Scotland to seal the win.

The comprehensive victory gives Scotland valuable points and confidence early in the tournament, while Italy, despite flashes of promise, will need to regroup quickly as they look to build experience at the World Cup level.

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