The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. has already delivered its fair share of Associate nation drama, but few moments have captivated the Wankhede crowd quite like the tactical chess match played out under the Mumbai lights. In a pivotal Group C encounter on February 12, Italy’s Crishan Kalugamage produced a delivery of absolute wizardry to dismiss Nepal’s talismanic all-rounder, Dipendra Singh Airee, tilting the momentum firmly in favour of the Azzurri.
The match, the 17th of the tournament, saw Italy choose to field first—a decision that looked inspired as they restricted Nepal to a sub-par total in conditions that usually favour the batters. While Nepal showed flashes of brilliance, they struggled to find their rhythm against a disciplined Italian bowling unit that used the humid Mumbai air to their advantage.
Dipendra Singh Airee falls to Crishan Kalugamage’s ripping googly in T20 World Cup 2026 game
The defining moment of the first innings arrived in the 14th over. Nepal was looking to stabilize and launch a late-overs assault, with the experienced Airee at the crease. Airee, known for his ability to clear the ropes, had ground out a patient 17 off 18 balls and was just beginning to look dangerous.
At 13.5 overs, Kalugamage delivered what many are calling the “ball of the group stages.” Coming out of the back of the hand with a high arm action, Kalugamage unleashed a ripping googly that jagged back sharply on the angle. Airee, misjudging the length and the direction of the turn, committed to a full-blooded drive through the covers. The ball zipped through the gap between bat and pad, kissing the top of the off-stump with surgical precision.
The Wankhede fell into a momentary silence before the Italian contingent erupted. It was a “stunning delivery” that left Airee looking back at his shattered stumps in disbelief. This wicket broke the back of the Nepalese middle order, leaving them reeling at 93/4 and stalling any hopes of a 150-plus total.
Here’s the video:
Nepal struggles to post a competitive total as Italian bowlers dominate
Despite a spirited start, Nepal’s innings was characterized by a lack of substantial partnerships. The Powerplay yielded 45 runs for the loss of Kushal Bhurtel, but the Italian spinners soon tightened the noose. Ben Manenti was clinical, conceding a mere 9 runs in his 4 overs and picking up two crucial wickets, while Kalugamage finished with standout figures of 3/18.
Nepal’s captain, Rohit Paudel, provided a brief spark with a brisk 23 off 14 balls, including two boundaries, but his departure triggered a steady slide. Aarif Sheikh (27) attempted to anchor the lower half, but wickets fell at regular intervals. A late cameo from Karan KC, who remained unbeaten on 18, pushed the total past the 100-mark, but the tail offered little resistance.
Nepal were eventually bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs, a total that leaves their bowlers with a massive task ahead. With Italy’s win probability sitting at over 80% at the innings break, Nepal will need an inspired spell from Sandeep Lamichhane to stay alive in this high-stakes World Cup clash.
Also WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery yorker leaves Ishan Kishan in extreme pain
