All-rounder Michael Leask delivered a match-winning match with a stunning late cameo and a four-wicket haul off opener George Munsey’s attacking half-century as Scotland thrashed T20 World Cup debutants Italy by 73 runs in Monday’s Group C match.Muncy, after a 41-ball reprieve, laid the platform with a fluent 84 off 54 balls with 14 fours and two sixes. The left-hand bowler dominated the Italian attack before Lisk completed the late attack with an unbeaten 22 off the last five balls, including two sixes and two fours from Thomas Draka, as Scotland surged at Eden Gardens.
Leske then made an immediate impact with the ball, knocking down Italy’s first delivery and returning with brilliant figures of 4/17. Italy were restricted to 134 for 9 in 16.4 overs, with skipper Wayne Madsen unable to bat after dislocating his shoulder earlier in the match.As a result, West Indies, Scotland and England occupy the top three spots in Group C, separated only by net run rate. Scotland played two games, while England and West Indies played one each.Italy’s chase never recovered from an early blow, with Justin Mosca passing the first ball past Lisk. The player outside the spin remains at the center of the game, breaking up partnerships and applying pressure through the middle overs.JJ Smuts briefly injected momentum into the innings, blasting 23 runs in the third over of Brad Wheal’s 6, 4, 6, while Anthony Mosca also hit a thumping hit. Despite losing three wickets in the first 28 balls, Italy showed resilience through Ben Manenti, who scored 52 off 31 balls to reach the 50-match T20 World Cup for the first time. He reached the milestone in 29 deliveries, sending Oliver Davidson to Midwicket for six.Ben and his brother Harry Manetti (37) added 73 runs from 46 balls to revive Italy’s hopes, but Lisk broke the partnership by dismissing Harry. Ben followed and Lisk ended his spell by removing Grant Stewart and Gian Piero Meade in quick succession.Scotland, meanwhile, had a point to prove after losing to Italy in last July’s European qualifiers – their only defeat in four games – which cost them direct qualification for the World Cup. A late arrival as Bangladesh refused to play India on safety grounds gave Scotland some breathing space after a stellar performance against their European rivals.The Italian team made little progress other than winning the game. Their woes deepened when captain Madsen injured his left shoulder during an awkward dive in the fourth over and was subsequently ruled out of the game.Munshi set the tone early, pulling Ali Hassan for consecutive boundaries in the opening over. Italy insisted on playing short and wide, and their aggressive start cost them. Munsey was reduced to 41 when Anthony Mosca bowled a skier at cover, but he stormed to his 14th T20 fifty off just 30 balls, hitting a six off Ben Manenti.Michael Jones was wary at first but soon joined the attack as Scotland went unbeaten at half-time and climbed all the way to 91. Muncy was increasingly damaging until Italy finally took their first World Cup wicket in the 14th over when Grant Stewart dismissed the opener and was caught by Harry Manenti. Jones departed soon after, but Brendan McMullen and Leeske combined to ensure Scotland finished brilliantly.
