New Delhi: Scotland rode on a strong batting performance to get off the mark with their first win in the T20 World Cup 2026 at the expense of debutant Italy in a Group C match at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata
George Munsey’s blazing half-century set the platform for Scotland’s 73-run win and a much-needed positive result after the loss in the opener against the West Indies.
Dominant win for Scotland! 🔥
A commanding performance that keeps their campaign rolling at the ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup. 🔝
Next up in ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #ZIMvOMA pic.twitter.com/04lXlPs4UE
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 9, 2026
Munsey shared a century opening stand with Michael Jones, who only contributed 37 off 30 deliveries as Munsey finished on 84 off 54 balls to power Scotland to a formidable 207 for 4 – their highest total in T20 World Cup history.
In reply, Italy showed promise, with Ben Manenti scoring a 31-ball 52 and brother Harry 37 as the pair shared a 73-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Leask, Munsey star in Scotland’s dominant win
However, the innings collapsed as soon as the partnership was broken in the 13th over. The European minnows were eventually bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs.
Scotland off-spinner Michael Leask was the chief destructor with excellent figures of 4 wickets for 17 runs.
Earlier, Scotland, who replaced Bangladesh in the tournament, made a strong statement with the bat and recorded their highest-ever T20 World Cup total. The 207-run total was also Scotland’s first 200+plus score in a T20 World match as well as the highest by an associate nation in the tournament’s history.
Munsey was at the heart of everything with a sensational half-century that comprised 13 fours and two maximums.
Earlier, Italy skipper Wayne Madsen, who sent Scotland in to bat, was injured while fielding and walked off the field in the fourth over of the innings. The 42-year-old looked in excruciating pain and could be sidelined for a long time.
Brief scores:
Scotland 207 for 4 in 20 overs (George Munsey 84, Michael Jones 37, Brandon MuMullen 41 not out; Grant Stewart 1/21, JJ Smuts 1/38).
Italy 134 in 16.4 overs (Ben Manenti 62; Michael Leask 4/17, Mark Watt 2/24).
(With PTI Inputs)