Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai witnessed history on Thursday (February 12) as Italy registered their first-ever win in the T20 World Cup, defeating Nepal by 10 wickets. They chased down 124 runs in less than 13 overs as celebrations began in their camp. Italian Cricket president Simone Gambino shed tears after the historic win and had his old friend for company, and it was none other than renowned Bollywood actor Kabir Bedi.
For the unversed, Bedi is very famous in Italy, having starred in an Italian miniseries called 'Sandokan' back in 1976. It was about a rebelling pirate fighting against British colonalism and Gambino recalled that in Italy, Bedi is known as Malaysian Tiger. "In Italy they only know you. The Malaysian Tiger (main character) Kabir Bedi," he said.
Italian cricket's official Instagram handle posted the video of Kabir Bedi congratulating Gambino over Italy's historic win, even as he spoke in Italian with the cricket team. Gambino was in tears, even as Bedi recalled how it was the former's dream to put Italy on the cricket map decades ago.
Interestingly, Gambino also sent out a warning to England in excitement, stating that Italy want to qualify for the next round of the T20 World Cup. Notably, with their 10-wicket win over Nepal, Italy have crossed England in the Group C points and are in third place, thanks to their superior net run-rate. "I would’ve never imagined this moment. But now we are going right back to Kolkata to shoot down England. We want to be in semis," Gambino said in a video posted by the Italian cricket team on Instagram.
Mosca brothers shine for Italy in run-chase
As far as the match is concerned, Italy opted to bowl after winning the toss and they restricted Nepal to 123 runs thanks to Crishan Kalugamage who picked up three wickets for 18 runs in his four overs. Ben Manenti also did well, conceding only nine runs while picking up two wickets in four overs.
In response, Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca stitched an unbeaten 124-run partnership in just 12.4 overs as Italy created history at the Wankhede Stadium.
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