Kolkata, December 9, 2025 – Scotland launched their T20 World Cup campaign in style, hammering debutants Italy by 73 runs under the Eden Gardens floodlights on Monday night in a one-sided Group C clash.
George Munsey’s classy 84 off 48 balls powered Scotland to a daunting 207 for 4, before Michael Leask ripped through Italy’s middle order with a sensational 4 for 17 to seal a comprehensive victory.
Munsey and Jones Set the Tone
Scotland’s openers tore into Italy’s inexperienced attack right from the first over. George Munsey looked in sublime touch, driving and pulling with authority, while Michael Jones played the perfect foil.
The pair added 126 in just 12.3 overs, the highest opening stand of the tournament so far. Jones fell for 37 off 28, but Munsey continued to dominate until he was caught at long-on in the 16th over.
Brandon McMullen then blasted 41 off 21 balls, and skipper Richie Berrington chipped in with a quick 18. Michael Leask rubbed salt into Italian wounds by smashing 22 off the last four balls of the innings.
Italy Rocked Early, Never Recover
Chasing 208, Italy suffered a nightmare start when Justin Mosca bagged a golden duck off Brad Currie’s very first ball. The debutants were 28 for 3 inside the powerplay.
South African-born JJ Smuts threatened a counter-attack with 22 off 11 balls, but once he holed out to long-off, Italy’s hopes faded fast.
The Manenti brothers showed fight. Harry made 37 and Ben top-scored with a gutsy 52 off 31 balls, but they needed someone to bat around them. No one could.
Italy were effectively a batter short after captain Gian-Piero Meade dislocated his shoulder diving on the boundary in the first innings and could not bat.
Leask and Watt Spin Scotland to Victory
Michael Leask, the hero with the bat in the final over, turned destroyer with the ball. The all-rounder picked up 4 for 17 in his four overs, including the prized scalps of both Manenti brothers.
Left-arm spinner Mark Watt was equally lethal, grabbing 2 for 19 and choking the run flow. Brad Currie, Brad Wheal and young Oliver Davidson kept things tight, never letting Italy settle.
Italy folded for 134 in 16.4 overs, their World Cup debut turning into a harsh lesson against Associate cricket’s big boys.
What This Means for Group C
Scotland now sit pretty at the top of Group C with two points and a healthy net run rate. They face Papua New Guinea next on Thursday in Kolkata.
Italy, meanwhile, must quickly regroup before taking on Hong Kong in Dubai on Saturday. Another heavy defeat could end their Super 8 dreams very early.
Scotland have sent a loud message to the rest of the group: they are here to compete, not just participate.
George Munsey was named Player of the Match for his match-defining 84.
This was Scotland’s first-ever T20 World Cup win on Indian soil and their biggest margin of victory in the tournament’s history.
A night to remember for the Scots. A night to forget for Italy.
What did you make of Scotland’s dominant display? Drop your thoughts below and use #SCOvITA on X if you’re still buzzing about that Munsey masterclass!
