Scotland vs Italy T20 World Cup Highlights: Italy (134-all out), lost by 73 runs in Kolkata

One down, two to go - A fascinating start to the new week in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and it is Scotland who get their first points on the board. Next up, there is a Group B clash between Zimbabwe and Oman lined up in Colombo. The toss is just about to happen in that game, and you can simply switch tabs and tune in to our coverage. Cheers!

Richie Berrington, the captain of Scotland - Richie Berrington says it was really important to bounce back after the loss against West Indies. It was a comprehensive performance. On George Munsey, Richie says he is an important player as he sets the tempo for them and today's partnership with Michael Jones helped to set the platform for a big score. On his bowling performance, Berrington is happy to see guys put in a great shift. Tells that early wickets in the Powerplay were key, but Italy bounced back with a couple of partnerships. Feels that they have got to know about the conditions here but are looking forward to the match against England. Reckons that the boys have embraced the chance to play the World Cup.

Harry Manenti, the stand-in captain for Italy - Harry starts by giving an update on the captain, Wayne Madsen and says that he has dislocated his left shoulder, which is not a good sign for them. Mentions that at the innings break, they thought it was a par score and if they batted well in the Powerplay, they could chase it down. Feels that you need to go hard at times when you are chasing in excess of 200 runs, and sometimes it doesn't come off. Adds that it was special batting with his brother out on the big stage and mentions that it is a dream come true for them. Ends by saying that they still have opportunities to get a win.

The captains' interviews coming up...

Player of the Match  - Michael Leask is the Player of the Match for his stellar all-round showing, cracking a 5-ball 22* and picking 4 wickets for 17. He says it was a full team performance. Tells that they have put in the hard work coming into the World Cup and have trained hard despite the limited lead-in time to the tournament. Leask notes that he was ready to attack anything within his hitting arc while emphasizing that the bowling unit had successfully applied vital lessons learned from their previous defeat against the West Indies. Adds that they got more from the surface today as compared to their previous game. Mentions that by winning today, they have given themselves a wonderful chance to qualify for the next round.

Italy's flame burned bright but quick - It is not the start Italy were looking for but they have shown sparks of brilliance. With the ball, they were a bit erratic but Ali Hasan showed great control up top and at the death as well. The likes of JJ Smuts and Grant Stewart also bowled well in patches but everyone else went for plenty of runs. With the bat, there were some positives as well, especially that partnership between Harry Manenti and Benjamin Manenti, worth 73 runs and that really kept Italy in the game. They did lose early wickets and once Ben fell after notching up a historic fifty, the wheels just came off and Italy folded like a pack of cards.

Scotland stepping up - It has been a roller-coaster of a ride for Scotland and after missing out on an entry into this T20 World Cup from the Qualifying rounds, they got a slice of luck as Bangladesh pulled out and Scotland made the cut. Today, they showed why they have been one of the most consistent associate nations, hammering 207 runs with the bat and then defending it with ease. George Munsey was prolific with the bat early on and gave his side a platform from where they could go on and score big. His 84 off 54 wasn't the only highlight of the batting innings but the cameo from Brandon McMullen, coupled with those boundaries in the final over from Michael Leask were equally important. On the bowling front, early wickets were key and it was Michael Leask, who led from the front with his four-fer. The spinners generally bowled well as Mark Watt picked up a couple of wickets as well and their catching was simply sensational as all 9 wickets were catches.

The experience of playing on the big stage - The scoreboard tells us that Scotland have completely dominated Italy in this game but it was more of a matter of playing the big moments well. Italy showed plenty of promise but the Scottish team had just too much experience in its ranks to avenge that defeat in the European Qualifiers last year.

Wayne Madsen is unfit to take any more part in the match and is given as absent hurt.

16.4: Brad Wheal to Ali Hasan, OUT! TAKEN! With Wayne Madsen making no move from the dugout, it's all over for the debutants. Brad Wheal delivers it on a good length, outside off, Ali Hasan swings only to balloon up his shot to cover. Richie Berrington runs back and takes a safe catch over his shoulder. SCOTLAND WIN BY 73 RUNS.

16.3: Brad Wheal to Ali Hasan, Short of a length, outside off, Hasan hangs his bat and checks his shot as he taps it to cover.

16.2: Brad Wheal to Crishan Kalugamage, Shorter delivery, nipping back in on the hips, Kalugamage tucks it to square leg for a single.

16.1: Brad Wheal to Crishan Kalugamage, Bowls a shorter delivery on off, Kalugamage bends his back and sways away to let it go.

With Wayne Madsen out of the game, Ali Hasan is the last batter in for Italy.

15.6: Mark Watt to Thomas Draca, OUT! TAKEN! It's been a catching practise session lately for Scotland. Floats a fuller delivery on middle, Draca slog-sweeps on the shorter side but doesn't power it much. Hits it straight to Brandon McMullen at deep mid-wicket, who takes a dolly. It's falling apart rather quickly for Italy.

15.5: Mark Watt to Crishan Kalugamage, Slightly full and around off, Kalugamage crunches it to long off for a single.

15.4: Mark Watt to Crishan Kalugamage, Slows up the flighted delivery on middle, Kalugamage leans and defends it well.

15.3: Mark Watt to Thomas Draca, Angling on the pads, TD flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

15.2: Mark Watt to Thomas Draca, Pushed through, a bit quicker on leg, Draca gets inside the line to paddle it away but wears it outside on his pads.

15.1: Mark Watt to Thomas Draca, Almost chopped on! The armball, comes in by a long way, nipping in on middle, Thomas Draca goes back to flick it away but inside edges it onto the pads.

14.6: Michael Leask to Crishan Kalugamage, Fuller one at the stumps, squeezed away into the off side. 4-0-17-4, a sensational effort from Michael Leask. 

14.5: Michael Leask to Thomas Draca, Shortish length around off, dabbed down behind point for a single.

Scotland are in a hurry now. Thomas Draca replaces Gian-Piero Meade.

14.4: Michael Leask to Gian-Piero Meade, OUT! TAKEN! A four-fer for Michael Leask. Tossed up, fuller and on leg stump. Gian-Piero Meade clears the front leg to go big but doesn't quite get to the pitch of the delivery. Ends up chipping it down to Brandon McMullen at long on, who gobbles up an easy catch. Meade departs for a two-ball duck and Scotland are effectively two wickets away from the win.

14.3: Michael Leask to Gian-Piero Meade, Flatter one on the pads, nudged away towards mid-wicket.

14.2: Michael Leask to Crishan Kalugamage, Dragged short and angled across off, tapped away behind point for a single.

Michael Leask and George Munsey combine once again. The duo combine for the third time today. Also, the fourth catch for Munsey. Crishan Kalugamage walks to the middle. 

14.1: Michael Leask to Grant Stewart, OUT! CAUGHT! Things are falling apart rather quickly here for the Italians as George Munsey hangs on to his fourth catch of the game. Michael Leask uses that angle from around the wicket really well again. This is bowled a bit shorter and angled across off. Grant Stewart rocks back to hit it down the ground but lofts it down to long off where Munsey takes a simple catch. Leask has his third wicket as well.

DRINKS BREAK! Benjamin Manenti's wicket has settled the game in Scotland's favour. It's a stiff chase from hereon with the Italians a batter short as well. This chase will definitely test the batting depth of the debutants. Can Italy find motivation from somewhere, or will Scotland run through the line-up now? Gian-Piero Meade joins Grant Stewart in the middle. 

13.6: Oliver Davidson to Benjamin Manenti, OUT! CAUGHT! Oliver Davidson has the last laugh and this might be the wicket that settles it for Scotland. Tossed-up delivery, full and around off. Benjamin Manenti hangs deep in the crease and plays the lofted drive over extra cover. There's not much elevation or power on it and Michael Jones takes a fine catch moving to his left from long off. Oliver Davidson gives a send-off to Manenti as well. Ben departs after making a fine 52 off just 31 balls but Italy are now 5 down for 129.

13.5: Oliver Davidson to Benjamin Manenti, Dragged length outside off, slapped away to the left of sweeper cover for a couple of runs more.

13.4: Oliver Davidson to Benjamin Manenti, SIX! Stand and deliver! Benjamin Manenti is the first Italian batter to score a FIFTY in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. This is bowled well short over middle, Manenti hangs back and dismissively swats it over long on for a biggie. A maiden T20I half-century for him as well.

13.3: Oliver Davidson to Grant Stewart, Flatter again, angled into the pads, tucked away through mid-wicket for a single.

13.2: Oliver Davidson to Benjamin Manenti, Flatter armball, darted into middle and leg, Manenti stays back and tucks it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

13.1: Oliver Davidson to Benjamin Manenti, FOUR! Wow, what a shot! Floated up, full and outside off, Benjamin Manenti leans back and smokes it flat over the cover region and the ball canters to the fence.

Change from both ends. Oliver Davidson to bowl now. 25 runs off his 2 overs so far.

12.6: Michael Leask to Benjamin Manenti, Nice and full, on leg stump, Benjamin Manenti drives it down to long on. Just 2 runs and a wicket off the over, could be a game-changing one from Michael Leask.

12.5: Michael Leask to Grant Stewart, Good length around middle, Grant Stewart looks to flick it leg side but miscues it through mid off for a single.

12.4: Michael Leask to Grant Stewart, Pulls the length back by a couple of inches and attacks the middle stump. Stewart rocks back to defend.

12.3: Michael Leask to Grant Stewart, A bit fuller, darted into middle and leg, Grant Stewart can only block it back to the bowler.

12.2: Michael Leask to Grant Stewart, Flatter one around off, jammed into the off side.

Grant Stewart replaces Harry Manenti. 

12.1: Michael Leask to Harry Manenti, OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the man in the deep and that looked like a lazy shot from Harry Manenti. Michael Leask comes around the wicket and angles it across the off stump on a good length. Manenti stays leg side of the ball and lifts it high up but down the throat of the fielder at long off. George Munsey gobbles up his third catch of the game and the 73-run stand between the Manenti brothers is finally broken. Harry departs for 37 (25) and Italy are 113/4.

Michael Leask (2-0-13-1) is back on.

11.6: Mark Watt to Benjamin Manenti, Play and a miss! Flatter one, on a nagging length and outside off, skids through. Ben backs away to cut but misses. 13 runs off the over, 95 needed off 48 balls.

11.5: Mark Watt to Benjamin Manenti, Fuller and around off, stroked away wide of long off for another brace. It's easy batting right now for Italy.

11.4: Mark Watt to Benjamin Manenti, Dragged length around off, pushed away wide of deep cover for a couple of runs more by Benjamin Manenti.

11.3: Mark Watt to Benjamin Manenti, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries and this chase is well and truly alive. Full again, attacking the stumps, Ben stays deep in the crease and pummels it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

11.2: Mark Watt to Benjamin Manenti, FOUR! That's flown away to the fence. Full and around off, fired in. Benjamin Manenti hangs back and powers it to the left of the cover fielder for a boundary.

11.1: Mark Watt to Harry Manenti, On a length, slower through the air and outside off. Harry Manenti walks to the off side and helps the sweep down to fine leg for a single.

10.6: Brandon McMullen to Benjamin Manenti, Short of a good length, angled into the pads, Ben tucks it away wide of deep square leg and picks up a couple of runs. The 100 is now up for Italy as well.

10.5: Brandon McMullen to Harry Manenti, Fuller and on the pads, clipped away down to deep backward square leg for one.

10.4: Brandon McMullen to Harry Manenti, Slower one, back of a length and around off, nudged away to short third.

10.3: Brandon McMullen to Harry Manenti, SIX! Oh, glorious from Harry. Too full and around off, right in the slot. Harry Manenti hits through the line and smacks it back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

10.3: Brandon McMullen to Benjamin Manenti, Very full and swinging into the pads. Ben manages to get an inside edge and the ball goes off the pads just to the leg side. The batters pick up a single and the 50-run stand is up between the Manenti brothers. Hold on, the siren has gone off. A front-foot No Ball from McMullen and a Free Hit to follow...

10.2: Brandon McMullen to Harry Manenti, Another gentle-paced delivery, angled into the pads. Harry nudges it around the corner on the leg side and picks up another single.

10.1: Brandon McMullen to Benjamin Manenti, Good-length delivery around off, Benjamin Manenti lifts it without much timing and over mid off for a single.

Halfway mark in the chase. Italy are 87/3 and need 121 more in the remaining 60 balls to win. Brandon McMullen to have a bowl now.

9.6: Oliver Davidson to Benjamin Manenti, One more run to end the over as Benjamin Manenti plays it down to long on. 12 runs off the over. These two have added 47 runs together now.

9.5: Oliver Davidson to Harry Manenti, Flatter delivery, outside off, punched past cover for a single.

9.4: Oliver Davidson to Harry Manenti, SIX! JUST ENOUGH! Calculated shot from Harry as he picks the shorter side, picks up the fuller delivery and slogs it over deep mid-wicket. The fielder is called into the action but the ball sails over his head for a biggie.

9.4: Oliver Davidson to Harry Manenti, Wide! Slows up the pace and flights a bit, over the strip line. Left alone for a wide.

9.3: Oliver Davidson to Benjamin Manenti, Tossed up, fuller and around off, BM knocks it to deep cover for one more.

9.2: Oliver Davidson to Harry Manenti, Overpitched and bowls it wide of off. Harry Manenti firmly drives it to sweeper cover and runs across.

9.1: Oliver Davidson to Benjamin Manenti, Fires it full and in line of the stumps, driven down to long off for a single.

8.6: Michael Leask to Harry Manenti, Away-angler, on a length and outside off, Harry Manenti gets on his knee to sweep but misses it. 

8.5: Michael Leask to Harry Manenti, Fuller delivery, attacking the stumps, Harry Manenti gets inside the line and turns it to the right of square leg for an easy couple.

8.4: Michael Leask to Benjamin Manenti, Pushes it full and on middle, drilled down to long on for a single.

8.3: Michael Leask to Benjamin Manenti, FOUR! That was asking to be hit! Too short and on leg, Benjamin Manenti bends his back knee and swipes it across, behind square leg for a boundary. 

8.2: Michael Leask to Harry Manenti, Angles across a fuller delivery, around off, Harry Manenti takes a premeditated charge and swings but slices his shot to deep point. Well short of the fielder for a single.

8.1: Michael Leask to Benjamin Manenti, Pitches it up on leg, Benjamin Manenti clears his front leg and chips it uppishly past Leask and to long on for a single.

7.6: Mark Watt to Benjamin Manenti, Fractionally short and outside off, Benjamin Manenti hits the width away to deep point for one more.

7.5: Mark Watt to Benjamin Manenti, The armball, holds a bit in the deck, around off, Benjamin Manenti pats it back to Watt.

7.4: Mark Watt to Harry Manenti, One more run as Harry Manenti plays the fuller delivery past cover for one more.

7.3: Mark Watt to Benjamin Manenti, Tossed up, outside off, knocked past cover for a single.

7.2: Mark Watt to Benjamin Manenti, FOUR! CHANCE! Watt hits the deck, bowls it short and outside off, Benjamin Manenti forces his cut shot and outside edges it to the right of short third. Brad Wheal dives and attempts with both hands but fails to get close to the ball. It rolls past him for a boundary.

7.1: Mark Watt to Benjamin Manenti, Mark Watt bowls at a nice trajectory, flatter and outside off, Benjamin Manenti tries to punch it square but misses.

6.6: Brad Wheal to Benjamin Manenti, A length ball, around off, punched to mid off to end the over with a single.

6.5: Brad Wheal to Harry Manenti, The off-cutter on the fuller side and on middle, Harry Manenti tries to wrist it away but plays off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket for a single.

6.4: Brad Wheal to Harry Manenti, Brad Wheal hits the deck hard and bowls it around off, at a good height for Harry Manenti who offers no shot to it.

6.3: Brad Wheal to Benjamin Manenti, Call is for two, but they settle with one. On a nagging length and around off, nudged in front of deep mid-wicket for one.

6.2: Brad Wheal to Harry Manenti, On a good length, outside off, Harry Manenti guides it nicely to third man for a single.

6.1: Brad Wheal to Benjamin Manenti, This is full and on middle, drilled to long on for a single.

DRINKS BREAK! A fast and furious first 6 overs in the chase and although Italy are going at 9 runs an over, they have lost 3 big wickets. Scotland won't mind the runs as long as the wickets keep coming and that is one risk they are willing to take, it seems. A lot rests on the shoulders of the Manenti brothers for Italy as their skipper Wayne Madsen won't take further part in this game. The middle phase, which is generally the consolidation phase, is going to be crucial. Let's see how the game shapes up.

5.6: Oliver Davidson to Harry Manenti, SIX! Italy end the Powerplay on a good note. Yet another solid shot from Harry! Touch too full and sliding on middle and leg, Harry picks the angle and sweeps it flat, good height behind the ball and it rolls over the square leg fence. The batting team are 54/3 after the first six overs.

5.5: Oliver Davidson to Harry Manenti, In-angler, fuller delivery on middle, Harry Manenti eases it back to Oliver. 

5.4: Oliver Davidson to Harry Manenti, FOUR! Oh, such a good-looking shot! Touch fuller, around off, nothing wrong with the delivery. Harry Manenti presses forward and firmly drives it through extra-cover for a boundary.

5.3: Oliver Davidson to Harry Manenti, Gives width and bowls it touch short. Harry Manenti gets on his toes as he punches but finds the man at cover.

5.2: Oliver Davidson to Harry Manenti, Flatter delivery from Oliver Davidson, around off, Harry Manenti taps it to the bowler.

5.1: Oliver Davidson to Benjamin Manenti, The misfield allows three runs! Length delivery, outside off, Benjamin Manenti slaps it to point where the odd bounce pushes the ball past the fielder there. The batters run three as the ball rolls in the deep.

4.6: Mark Watt to Benjamin Manenti, Fired in, full and towards middle and leg, Benjamin Manenti pushes it down to long on for a single.

4.5: Mark Watt to Benjamin Manenti, Shorter one around off, played off the back foot and in front of point.

The Mosca brothers are back in the hut. The Manenti brothers are in the middle. Benjamin joins Harry. 

4.4: Mark Watt to Anthony Mosca, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and who else but George Munsey to take another brilliant catch. Mark Watt bowls it short and just wide outside off. Anthony Mosca sets up to cut off the back foot but is undone by the extra bounce. Mosca ends up slicing it uppishly to the left of backward point. Munsey puts a lunging dive to his left and snaffles a solid low catch. The other Mosca brother walks back for 13 (12) and Italy are 40/3 inside the first 5 overs.

4.3: Mark Watt to Anthony Mosca, Shortish length and around off, Mosca hangs back and nudges it down in front of point.

4.2: Mark Watt to Anthony Mosca, Flatter one, angled in from outside off. Mosca rocks back and jams it to cover.

4.1: Mark Watt to Harry Manenti, 'Catch it' is the call but it lands well short. Tossed up on off, Manenti plays the lofted drive over mid off and gets it on the bounce to long off for a single.

Bowling change. Mark Watt to bowl for the first time.

3.6: Brad Currie to Anthony Mosca, Back of a length and on off, Mosca stands tall and taps it down to covers.

3.5: Brad Currie to Anthony Mosca, FOUR! Oh, well adjusted by Mosca. Back of a length and angled well across off. Anthony Mosca hops to the off side and guides it off the gloves and threads the narrow gap between the keeper and short third, picking up four runs.

3.4: Brad Currie to Harry Manenti, Nagging length on middle, Manenti gets a bit squared up and edges it down to short third. Anthony Mosca at the other end calls for the single and the batters scamper through to make it in time.

3.3: Brad Currie to Harry Manenti, A bit slower and fuller on middle and leg, Manenti hangs back and defends it right under the eyes.

3.2: Brad Currie to Harry Manenti, Back of a length and outside off, Harry Manenti reaches out and slaps it away to the left of deep point for a couple of runs.

A rapid innings from JJ Smuts comes to an end. Harry Manenti comes in at number 4.

3.1: Brad Currie to JJ Smuts, OUT! CAUGHT! Entertaining while it lasted but JJ Smuts has to walk back and Brad Currie is ecstatic with that wicket. Smartly bowled by Currie as he takes the pace off and pitches it fuller around off. Smuts is drawn into the drive but ends up chipping it off the face of the blade. Richie Berrington at short cover, reacts sharply and lunges to his right to grab the catch. Smuts walks back after making 22 (11) and Italy are now 32/2 after 3.1 overs.

2.6: Brad Wheal to Anthony Mosca, SIX! Wow, that sounded amazing off the bat and Anthony Mosca now joins the fun. Slower length ball, right in the hitting arc. Mosca waits well and pummels it across and over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. 23 off the over and Italy are back in it.

2.5: Brad Wheal to Anthony Mosca, Pitched up fuller, Mosca punches it to mid off.

2.4: Brad Wheal to JJ Smuts, Much better length from Wheal. Full of a good length and around off, Smuts looks to drive but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls off the pads towards backward point and they get a single.

2.3: Brad Wheal to JJ Smuts, SIX! Italy have lift off! Another drag down by Brad Wheal, just sits up for the batter. JJ Smuts swivels on the back foot and pulls it flat and into the advertisement board over the square leg fence.

2.2: Brad Wheal to JJ Smuts, FOUR! Oh, the timing on that is glorious. Good length on middle, Smuts just tucks it to the right of mid-wicket and gets it through the infield. The ball keeps speeding away and even beats the fielder who was running across to his left from deep square leg.

2.1: Brad Wheal to JJ Smuts, SIX! That's nonchalantly put away by JJ Smuts. Short of a length, angled into the hips, Smuts picks the length early and hangs back before hoicking it over long leg for Italy's first six in the T20 World Cup.

Just one over for Michael Leask. Brad Wheal is introduced into the attack.

1.6: Brad Currie to Anthony Mosca, That should have been put away and Anthony Mosca knows it. Short and wide, angling further away, Mosca has a waft at it but is beaten.

1.5: Brad Currie to Anthony Mosca, On a good length and slanted wide outside off, Mosca is early to walk across to the off side. He adjusts and just glides it down to the right of deep third for a couple of runs.

1.4: Brad Currie to Anthony Mosca, Good length on leg, cramping the batter for room. Mosca looks to flick but wears it on the side of the front pad.

1.3: Brad Currie to JJ Smuts, A bit slower and on a hard length around off, Smuts hops back and taps it behind square leg for a run.

1.3: Brad Currie to JJ Smuts, WIDE! Strays in line, does Currie. Good length, starts on leg stump and swings down the leg side for a wide.

1.2: Brad Currie to Anthony Mosca, Fuller than a good length, shaping into the pads. Mosca nudges it behind square on the leg side and picks up a single to get off the mark.

1.1: Brad Currie to Anthony Mosca, Back of a length, angling away from the right-hander. Anthony Mosca gets up on his toes and edges it down to short third.

Brad Currie to bowl from the other end.

0.6: Michael Leask to JJ Smuts, FOUR! First runs for Italy in the Men's T20 World Cup and it comes in the form of a boundary. This is floated up around leg stump, JJ Smuts sits down and helps it well over short fine leg for a boundary. Italy are 4/1 after one.

0.5: Michael Leask to JJ Smuts, Fuller now, fired in on off and middle. JJ Smuts chips it towards mid off.

0.4: Michael Leask to JJ Smuts, Slightly dragged length, a touch slower and on off. Smuts backs away again and punches it firmly to extra cover.

0.3: Michael Leask to JJ Smuts, Pushed through flatter and angled across off, Smuts backs away to cut but is beaten past the outside edge.

0.2: Michael Leask to JJ Smuts, Leask continues from around the wicket. Floated up on leg, JJ Smuts fails to get it away.

Out goes Justin Mosca, in comes JJ Smuts.

0.1: Michael Leask to Justin Mosca, OUT! CAUGHT! Taken first ball! George Munsey can do no wrong today and that's an ominous start for Italy with the bat. Michael Leask starts around the wicket and drops a loosener wide outside off. It is short and wide, begging to be put away. Justin Mosca rocks back and slices it to the right of backward point where Munsey puts in a horizontal dive and snaffles it with both hands. A golden duck for one of the Mosca brothers and Leask is delighted.

Welcome back for the chase. Remember, Italy are without their skipper, Wayne Madsen, in the chase. So, someone else has to step up. The Mosca brothers, Anthony and Justin to open for Italy. Michael Leask to bowl first. Let's play...

...THE CHASE...

The Madsen mishap - In a heartbreaking turn for the debutants, Italian captain Wayne Madsen suffered a dislocated shoulder while fielding early in the powerplay. He was forced to leave the field in visible pain, leaving the Azzurri without their leader and most experienced batter for the chase. With the reports stated by Ian Bishop on air, it was confirmed that Wayne Madsen has dislocated his shoulder and will take no further part in the game. The Italians' bowling found hope through Ali Hasan, who was the pick of their lot but apart from that, they faltered on the wrong side mainly. The debutants have a mountain to climb for the first time, asking. Can they make a mark on the world stage by putting up a show? The chase is coming up.

Breakdown of Scotland's batting innings - Munsey was the heartbeat of the innings, falling just short of a century with a scintillating 84 off 54 balls. His opening partnership of 126 runs with Michael Jones completely deflated the Italian bowling attack early on. Brandon McMullen ensured the momentum didn't stall, smashing an unbeaten 41 off just 18 balls. Eventually, the flurry of boundaries from the bat of Michael Leask in the final over was what ultimately pushed Scotland past that 200-run barrier.

Scotland make merry at Eden Gardens - You’ve hit the nail on the head! This is a statement performance from the Scots. By crossing the 200-run mark, Scotland has not only set the highest total of the 2026 T20 World Cup so far, but they've done it with the kind of clinical aggression that silenced any doubts following their loss to the West Indies.

Hang on, we are not done yet. The umpires have just asked the batters to wait as they check for a waist height no ball. Actually, Scotland have taken the review. The third umpire deems it a legal delivery. So, Scotland end with 207/4 in their full quota.

19.6: Thomas Draca to Michael Leask, SIX! Oh, Thomas Draca, what have you done? An over that started with so much promise has turned into a nightmare for the bowling side. Draca goes for the yorker but ends up serving a waist-high full toss. Michael Leask presses back and swings it handsomely over deep mid-wicket for a mammoth six. It is checked for a No Ball for height but the third umpire confirms that it was below waist height. 22 off the final over and Scotland finish with 207/4 on the board!

19.5: Thomas Draca to Michael Leask, SIX! Wow, Michael Leask is turning on the heat in this final over. Just short of a good length and fairly straight, Leask hangs back, makes a bit of room and clubs it over long on for a six. Scotland bring up 200 runs for the first time in a T20 World Cup match.

19.4: Thomas Draca to Michael Leask, FOUR! That sounded so sweet off the bat and Scotland are just one hit away from breaching the 200-run mark. Slower one, short and over middle, Leask hangs back and flat-bats the pull perfectly between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

19.3: Thomas Draca to Michael Leask, Banged in short and over the stumps, Leask backs away to pull but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls away behind square on the leg side and the batters pick up a couple of runs.

19.2: Thomas Draca to Michael Leask, FOUR! That's rocketed to the fence. Full and outside off, Michael Leask laces this cover drive and gets it through the gap for a boundary.

Michael Leask is the next batter in.

19.1: Thomas Draca to Tom Bruce, OUT! CAUGHT! Italy are wrestling back some momentum late in the first innings. Thomas Draca serves it on a good length and attacks the stumps. Tom Bruce hangs back and makes room to heave it leg side but loses his shape. This is sliced towards backward point where Justin Mosca takes a couple of steps back and pouches it safely. Draca, the man who calls the Aussie pace legend Dennis Lillie his 'godfather', has just picked up his first wicket in a World Cup.

An outstanding19th over from Ali Hasan has given Italy some hope of keeping Scotland under 200. Thomas Draca to bowl the final over.

18.6: Ali Hasan to Tom Bruce, Pitched up full and outside off, Tom Bruce hammers it on the bounce to long off for a single. Just 4 runs and a wicket off the 19th over.

Out goes Richie Berrington, in comes Tom Bruce.

18.5: Ali Hasan to Richie Berrington, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Ali Hasan wins the game of cat and mouse and the Scottish skipper has to walk back. A bit slower, on a length and darted across off. Berrington is hell-bent on shuffling across and targeting the shorter leg side boundary but ends up edging this one behind to the keeper. Gian-Piero Meade makes no mistake and Hasan is rewarded for some consistent bowling. Scotland are now 184/3.

18.4: Ali Hasan to Richie Berrington, And again! Very full and angled across off. Berrington walks to the off side and looks to sweep but is beaten again.

18.3: Ali Hasan to Richie Berrington, That's well bowled by Hasan. Full and wide outside off again, follows the batter and gets it right in the blockhole. Berrington looks to sweep but misses.

18.2: Ali Hasan to Brandon McMullen, Mishit but McMullen gets away with it. Full and angled across off, albeit a touch slower. Brandon McMullen picks it up and lofts it on the bounce to long off for a single.

18.1: Ali Hasan to Brandon McMullen, Pitched up fuller and angled across off, McMullen stays low and drags it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Ali Hasan to bowl the penultimate over.

17.6: Grant Stewart to Richie Berrington, A low full toss, slanting into the legs, Berrington hoicks it away to the right of deep mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs.

17.5: Grant Stewart to Brandon McMullen, Full again, sliding it down the leg side, McMullen sits down and helps it down to long leg for a single.

17.4: Grant Stewart to Richie Berrington, Fuller and attacking the stumps, hacked away off the inside edge and behind square leg for another single.

17.3: Grant Stewart to Brandon McMullen, Back of a length and around off, lofted over mid off for a single.

17.3: Grant Stewart to Brandon McMullen, WIDE! Again! Fuller and darted down leg, McMullen looks to flick it but misses.

17.3: Grant Stewart to Brandon McMullen, WIDE! A bouncer, sliding down leg, McMullen lets it go to the keeper.

17.2: Grant Stewart to Brandon McMullen, SIX! That's shot of the day, surely. Into the surface, the cutter on middle, lands nicely for McMullen, who takes a step forward and punches it aerially over long on and it goes the distance. Proper cricketing shot. 

17.1: Grant Stewart to Brandon McMullen, A low dipping fuller delivery on middle, McMullen whips it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

16.6: JJ Smuts to Richie Berrington, FOUR! Fine shot from the skipper. Back of a length and around off, Richie Berrington gets across and inside the line, lapping it down on one knee and over short fine leg for a boundary.

16.5: JJ Smuts to Richie Berrington, That's well struck but equally well fielded. Full and outside off, Berrington reaches out and smacks it flat to deep extra cover. Grant Stewart from long off runs across and makes a fine stop. Two taken.

16.4: JJ Smuts to Richie Berrington, FOUR! Flayed away to the fence. Tossed up, full and outside off, Richie Berrington throws his hands at it and slices it wide of short third for a boundary.

16.3: JJ Smuts to Brandon McMullen, Floated up around middle, McMullen eases it through mid on for one.

16.2: JJ Smuts to Richie Berrington, Smartly bowled. Tossed up, full and wide but really slow. Smuts just saw Berrington lining up the big shot and slowed it up. This is squeezed towards backward point for a run.

16.1: JJ Smuts to Brandon McMullen, On a length, angled into middle and leg, McMullen stays back and works it through mid-wicket for one.

15.6: Crishan Kalugamage to Brandon McMullen, Short and outside off, cut away to deep point for a single.

15.5: Crishan Kalugamage to Brandon McMullen, SIX! Oh, that's exquisite from McMullen. Flighted ball around off, BM makes room by moving down the leg side and goes inside-out over extra cover for another biggie. 150 is now up for Scotland.

15.4: Crishan Kalugamage to Brandon McMullen, SIX! That's a fine shot from Brandon McMullen. Tossed up, full and angled into the hitting arc. McMullen stays put and hits through the line, nailing it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

15.3: Crishan Kalugamage to Brandon McMullen, Shorter one on middle, pushed down to long on for a couple of runs more.

15.2: Crishan Kalugamage to Richie Berrington, Oh, just short! Flighted ball on middle and leg, Richie backs away and lofts it flat and on the bounce to long on. Grant Stewart does well to get his body behind it and keeps it down to a single.

15.1: Crishan Kalugamage to Brandon McMullen, Tossed up at the stumps, eased down to long on for a single.

14.6: JJ Smuts to Richie Berrington, Pushed through, fuller and just outside off, Richie Berrington leans to drive but gets beaten on the inside edge.

14.5: JJ Smuts to Michael Jones, OUT! GONE! One brings two. An armball, pushes it wide of off, Jones tries to clear the man at cover as he swings hard but hits it straight to Harry Manenti there, who bends forward and gets low to pick up right above the ground. So, both the set batters are back in the hut. Also, Richie Berrington is the new batter in.

14.4: JJ Smuts to Brandon McMullen, Too full and around off, driven down to long off for a single.

14.3: JJ Smuts to Brandon McMullen, SIX! That sounded so good off the blade. Flights a bit on the fuller side and around off, Brandon McMullen slog-sweeps and nails his shot over mid-wicket for a biggie. 

14.2: JJ Smuts to Brandon McMullen, Tossed up, fuller and on middle and leg, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

14.1: JJ Smuts to Brandon McMullen, An armball, length and around off, this is punched to cover. 

13.6: Grant Stewart to Brandon McMullen, Bangs it short and on leg, not that short and Brandon McMullen pulls it to square leg to get his innings underway.

13.5: Grant Stewart to George Munsey, OUT! TAKEN! Italy get the first wicket of their World Cup campaign. Better late than never. Grant Stewart keeps it wide outside off but drags his length and bowls into the surface. Munsey throws his bat as he tries to pull but was in no shape at all. Hits it high and to long on where Harry Manenti reverse cups it near his head. An easy catch and Italy break the 126-run stand. An outstanding knock from George Munsey, 84 (54), comes to an end. Brandon McMullen replaces George Munsey.

Scotland looking to set up a total of around 200.

DRINKS BREAK! A historic first wicket for Italy in the Men's T20 World Cup and it goes to Grant Stewart. However, they are bleeding runs and could be staring at a total of around 200 runs. George Munsey has just departed after playing a stellar knock but he will be gutted to have missed out on a century. Scotland have the wickets in hand and it is now up to Michael Jones to take the reins and make sure his side do not let things slip. Can Italy now calm their nerves and pick up a couple of more wickets, or at least slow down the scoring rate? Let's find out. 

13.4: Grant Stewart to George Munsey, FOUR! George Munsey is unstoppable today! Moves to 84! Overpitched, keeps it wide outside off. Munsey uses his feet this time and crunches it to the right of long off for four runs.

13.3: Grant Stewart to George Munsey, Well bowled! Bowls a slower fuller delivery, well outside off, Munsey tries to hit it away without any foot movement and ends up tapping it back to Stewart. 

13.2: Grant Stewart to Michael Jones, On a good length and around off, Jones plays it down to long off for a run.

13.1: Grant Stewart to Michael Jones, SIX! JUST OVER THE FIELDER! Short of a good length, around off, Jones forces his lofted punch shot. Hits it high and just enough to beat the effort from the long on fielder. 

Another bowling change from this end as Grant Stewart (2-0-17-0) comes back into the attack.

12.6: Crishan Kalugamage to George Munsey, An appeal for LBW, mainly from Crishan but turned down. Floated on the fuller side on leg, Munsey looks to sweep but misses and wears it on the pads. It was going down leg.

12.5: Crishan Kalugamage to George Munsey, Straight and full on middle, patted back to Crishan Kalugamage.

12.4: Crishan Kalugamage to Michael Jones, Slightly short, outside off, too wide and Michael Jones cuts it through point for a single. Jones wants another run but is sent back.

12.3: Crishan Kalugamage to George Munsey, Fuller delivery, outside off, punched past cover for a single.

12.3: Crishan Kalugamage to George Munsey, Wide! Too full on leg, George Munsey looks to sweep it again but misses. 

12.2: Crishan Kalugamage to George Munsey, FOUR! That was asking to be hit and Munsey wasn't going to miss out with that kind of line. Well down leg, fuller. Jones slog-sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a boundary.

12.1: Crishan Kalugamage to Michael Jones, Bowls it full and wide of off, Jones shuffles across and paddles it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

11.6: Benjamin Manenti to George Munsey, Yorks him with a fuller delivery, outside off, Munsey fails to dig it out.

11.5: Benjamin Manenti to George Munsey, A bit too full and around off, George Munsey works it wide of long on for a quick couple of runs.

11.4: Benjamin Manenti to George Munsey, SIX! 100 up for Scotland. Munsey has been so good on the leg side today. Tossed up, around off, easy pickings for Munsey as he slogs it over deep mid-wicket and just over the fielder there for a six. This is the first 100-run partnership for Scotland for any wicket in the Men's T20 World Cup.

11.3: Benjamin Manenti to George Munsey, Attacking the stumps, fuller delivery and on off, tapped back to the bowler.

11.2: Benjamin Manenti to Michael Jones, It doesn't carry at all, despite the cries of catch! Fractionally short and into the surface, outside off. Jones hoicks across as he goes back, balloons it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

11.1: Benjamin Manenti to Michael Jones, Tossed up, full and in line of the stumps, Jones eases it to the right of Manenti, who dives and stops it well.

Benjamin Manenti is back into the attack, replacing his brother. He went for 11 runs in his first over.

10.6: Crishan Kalugamage to George Munsey, The Scots manage to get a couple of runs. Length delivery on middle, Munsey gets inside the line and flicks it just wide of square leg to scamper in a brace. 

10.5: Crishan Kalugamage to Michael Jones, Quicker and slightly short, around off, Jones nudges the googly to square leg for one more.

10.4: Crishan Kalugamage to George Munsey, Bowls it on a length and on leg, Munsey picks it off the pads and tucks it to square leg for a single.

10.3: Crishan Kalugamage to Michael Jones, A bit too full as Crishan Kalugamage bowls the wrong 'un on the pads, flicked to square leg for a single.

10.2: Crishan Kalugamage to George Munsey, A googly, flatter trajectory on middle, Munsey whips it to deep square leg for a single.

10.1: Crishan Kalugamage to Michael Jones, Tossed up, fuller and on middle, Jones nudges it through mid-wicket for a single. 

At the halfway mark, Scotland are in a very strong position to end with a big score. Crishan Kalugamage is into the attack for Italy.

9.6: Harry Manenti to George Munsey, A dot to end but Scotland are flying at 91/0 after 10 overs. Slower one, back of a length and angled across off. Munsey reaches out and pats it down to covers.

9.5: Harry Manenti to Michael Jones, Short ball, at the bodyline line, Jones leans back and manages to pull it through square leg for a single.

9.4: Harry Manenti to Michael Jones, SIX! Michael Jones is now on the charge. Banged in short but angled down leg, Jones stays inside the line of the ball and hooks it over fine leg for a maximum.

9.3: Harry Manenti to Michael Jones, Excellent running. Slower one into the pitch, nurdled away into the gap at mid-wicket and the batters raced back for the second run.

9.2: Harry Manenti to George Munsey, Back of a length and slower too, Munsey walks across to access the leg side but adjusts and hits it down to long off for a single.

9.2: Harry Manenti to George Munsey, WIDE! Full and wide outside off, darts further away, left alone by Munsey.

9.1: Harry Manenti to George Munsey, FOUR! That's been bludgeoned away by Munsey. A bit slower and angled well across the left-hander. George Munsey reaches out, waits a bit and just flat-bats it straight down the ground for a boundary.

8.6: JJ Smuts to Michael Jones, A peach of a delivery to end a fine over from JJ Smuts, just 2 runs off it. Slower through the air, floated up from wider on the crease. This one angles in to begin with but grips and turns away. Michael Jones has a poke at it but the ball beats the outside edge.

8.5: JJ Smuts to George Munsey, Floated up on middle and leg, GM backs away leg side and swats it off the inner half of the blade to long on for a single.

8.4: JJ Smuts to George Munsey, Slightly tossed up, not all that full and on off. Munsey sets up for the reverse sweep but ends up wearing it on the pads.

UPDATE - Ian Bishop, on-air, has just confirmed that Italy's skipper, Wayne Madsen, has dislocated his shoulder and will take no further part in this game. What a blow to Italy in their very first game of this mega event. 

8.3: JJ Smuts to Michael Jones, Angled in with the arm, from outside off, Jones pushes it through covers for a single.

8.2: JJ Smuts to Michael Jones, A bit fuller and at the stumps, Jones fails to get it away.

8.1: JJ Smuts to Michael Jones, Slower through the air, sliding back in, Jones taps it back to the bowler.

7.6: Benjamin Manenti to George Munsey, Benjamin Manenti finishes the over strongly. Keeps it full and outside off, Munsey drives well but Manenti dives to his right and stops certain runs. 

7.5: Benjamin Manenti to George Munsey, A low full toss, outside off. George Munsey lean across and plays it back to the bowler.

7.4: Benjamin Manenti to George Munsey, Gets away with it this time, does Benjamin Manenti. Full and wide outside off, lands inside the tramline this time and Munsey lets it go.

7.4: Benjamin Manenti to George Munsey, WIDE! Fired in again, wide outside off and this one goes beyond the tramline. Munsey leaves it alone.

7.3: Benjamin Manenti to George Munsey, Flatter one at the stumps, jammed back to the bowler.

7.2: Benjamin Manenti to George Munsey, FOUR! Fired it wide outside off, Munsey gets across again and swats it away wide of mid-wicket for another boundary.

7.1: Benjamin Manenti to George Munsey, SIX! Fifty for George Munsey and what a way to reach there! Tossed up outside off, Munsey is quick to walk across and go down on one knee before walloping it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 14th T20I half century for Munsey.

Spin from both ends. The stand-in skipper for Italy, Benjamin Manenti to bowl now.

6.6: JJ Smuts to George Munsey, Fullish length on middle, pushed down to long on for a single.

6.5: JJ Smuts to George Munsey, FOUR! Not where he intended it to go, but George Munsey is really frustrating the Italians now. Floated up, on off and middle, Munsey brings out the reverse sweep and gets a top edge. The ball goes fine and over short third for a boundary.

6.4: JJ Smuts to Michael Jones, A good-looking shot from Michael Jones. Tossed up on off and middle, MJ backs away a bit and just strokes the lofted drive over extra cover. The fielder at long off runs a long way to his left and dives in to save the boundary. Three taken.

6.4: JJ Smuts to Michael Jones, WIDE! Flatter one, darted down the leg side.

6.3: JJ Smuts to Michael Jones, Straighter one, in line with the stumps, Jones blocks it off.

6.2: JJ Smuts to Michael Jones, FOUR! Oh, that's beautifully bowled but Jones will pick up a boundary. Around the wicket to the right-hander, bowling it fuller on off. The ball grips a bit and Jones is squared up. The ball takes the outside edge and rolls away into the deep third fence.

6.1: JJ Smuts to George Munsey, Flighted ball, on a nagging length and around off. Musey presses forward and nudges it in front of mid-wicket for an easy single. 50 UP FOR SCOTLAND!

DRINKS BREAK! The Powerplay is over and Scotland are in the driver's seat at this stage. For Italy, for the first time asking, have dropped one catch down but more importantly, have lost their skipper, Wayne Madsen, through an injury. So, Italy are chasing a bit already but a lot of time for them to regroup and control the next phase. Also, time for some spin, JJ Smuts is into the attack.

5.6: Grant Stewart to George Munsey, DROPPED! A huge opportunity on the last ball of the Powerplay but Justin Mosca has spilled it. Seemed like a cutter from Stewart, bowled on a hard length and outside off. George Munsey throws the hands at it and slices it up and just over covers. Three fielders from inside the ring run after it but it is Mosca who is the closest and gets under it, but lets it through the hands. Munsey gets a single.

5.5: Grant Stewart to George Munsey, Good length, just outside off, Munsey tries to power it through covers but miscues it badly.

5.4: Grant Stewart to George Munsey, FOUR! That's streaky but George Munsey is already into the 40s. Pitched up fuller again and outside off, Munsey attempts the same shot from the last ball but gets the toe end of the blade and the ball races away past the keeper, and into the deep third fence.

5.3: Grant Stewart to George Munsey, FOUR! That's classic Munsey. Full and outside off, GM walks across and inside the line of the ball, whipping it away through square leg and the fielder at deep backward square leg cannot cut it off.

5.2: Grant Stewart to George Munsey, Oh, extra bounce! Short of a good length and in the channel, the ball holds a bit in the deck and springs off the deck. Munsey has a poke at it but is beaten.

5.1: Grant Stewart to Michael Jones, Good-length delivery on the pads, Jones clips it away through square leg and turns the strike over.

Grant Stewart (1-0-7-0) returns to the attack. No signs of spin yet from Italy.

4.6: Ali Hasan to Michael Jones, Some extra bounce seen for the first time. Jones steps down and punches off the higher part of the blade to cover and retains the strike.

4.5: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, Touch short, angling on the hips. Munsey picks up and works it behind square leg for one more.

4.4: Ali Hasan to Michael Jones, Into the surface, hard length and outside off, Jones punches on his toes to the cover fielder, who half-stops to his right and allows a single.

4.3: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, On a nagging length and around the fourth stump. GM strokes it to mid off for a quick single.

4.2: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, This is full and around off, George Munsey pushes it to mid off.

4.1: Ali Hasan to Michael Jones, A stifled appeal for LBW but it's given as a run. Hasan bowls on the fuller side, across the eyeline of Jones, on leg, who fails to flick and wears it on the pads. It rolls to square leg for a single. It was anyways pitching outside leg.

Will Ali Hasan get a third over in a row? Yes, he will. 2 overs for 12 runs so far for Hasan.

3.6: Thomas Draca to George Munsey, A dot to end but 15 runs off the over. Pushed it full and bowls it wide of off, George Munsey plants his foot across to drive it away but misses.

3.5: Thomas Draca to George Munsey, Short in length, on off, pulled past square leg for a couple of runs.

3.4: Thomas Draca to George Munsey, FOUR! Hat trick of boundaries. Serious start by Scotland and Munsey! Draca offers width on the off side on a good length. Munsey fetches the ball and hammers it past cover-point in the gap for four runs.

3.3: Thomas Draca to George Munsey, FOUR! Beautiful from George Munsey once again! Draca goes very full and bowls it outside off, Munsey hits it straight, his bat turns a bit but it allows him to hit it past the bowler and between mid on and mid off for four.

Uh, oh! That doesn't look good at all for Italy. Wayne Madsen seems to have overstretched that left arm while trying to stop the ball and might have just dislocated that left shoulder. He seems to be in a lot of pain and is going off the field for now. Hopefully, the Italian skipper is fine, but for now, it will be Harry Manenti to lead the side.

3.2: Thomas Draca to George Munsey, FOUR! Strong from Munsey! First boundary for Munsey on the leg side. Back of a length, outside off, Munsey pulls it to the left of the mid on fielder for a boundary. Oh, dear! The skipper of Italy, Wayne Madsen, was the fielder there and he hurt himself while diving across. He holds his left hand as he makes his way back to the dugout. 

3.2: Thomas Draca to George Munsey, WIDE! Shorter delivery, a bit too wide and almost over the tramline. Munsey swings his blade and misses.

3.1: Thomas Draca to George Munsey, Thomas Draca serves a fuller length delivery, outside off, George Munsey leans and punches it to cover.

Time for a bowling change? Yes, indeed. Thomas Draca comes into the attack, replacing Grant Stewart.

2.6: Ali Hasan to Michael Jones, Swing and a miss! Tidy over from Hasan! Angles across a shorter delivery, with some width. Jones flashes his blade and misses.

2.5: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, Almost found the gap but good fielding! Short in length, outside off, Munsey pulls it to the left of the mid on fielder, who dives across and stops it for a run. 500 runs for George Munsey in ICC Men's T20 World Cups, as mentioned by Ian Bishop on-air.

2.4: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, Nicely bowled! Gets it to nip back in a fraction around off and bowls it on the shorter side. Munsey tries to fend it away but ends up nudging it back on the deck. Three dots in a row.

2.3: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, In the channel, around the sixth stump and on the fuller side. George Munsey steps across and knocks it to cover. 

2.2: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, Ali Hasan targets the stumps with a length ball. Munsey half-presses and nicely taps it in front of point.

2.1: Ali Hasan to Michael Jones, Back of a length, around off, Jones is pegged back as he chops it to point for a run.

1.6: Grant Stewart to George Munsey, FOUR! First solid shot from Munsey's blade. Grant Stewart overpitches it up, just outside off. Munsey frees his arms, swings down and lofts it over mid off for his third boundary. 

1.5: Grant Stewart to Michael Jones, Short of a good length and on middle, Jones bunts it to square leg and runs across. 

1.4: Grant Stewart to Michael Jones, Grant Stewart keeps it full, around off, seaming away late. Jones charges down but ends up digging it to cover. 

1.3: Grant Stewart to George Munsey, An inswinging fuller delivery from around the wicket to the left-hander. On middle, Munsey turns it to mid-wicket for one more.

1.2: Grant Stewart to Michael Jones, Jones opens his account. Fuller and a bit of inward shape on it. Jones fends it in front of mid on and scampers across for a single.

1.1: Grant Stewart to Michael Jones, Right on the money! On a hard length and on middle and off, Michael Jones hangs back to defend it out.

The last two balls spoil a very decent first over for the Italians. Grant Stewart will start proceedings from the other end.

0.6: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, FOUR! Squirts it again but it all counts. 10 off the first over. Hasan keeps it in the channel, wide of off. Munsey plays with hard hands as he slashes his drive, gets a thick outside edge, which balloons over backward point for another boundary. 

0.5: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, FOUR! First boundary of the game. Ali Hasan offers width, bowls it short and wide of off. George Munsey throws his blade and flashes it over backward point and it rolls to the fence. 

0.4: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, Scotland are up and running! Overpitched delivery, on middle, George Munsey punches it straight down the ground, not off the middle of the blade and settles with a brace to his name.

0.3: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, Hasan gets it to shape in a little bit, on a good length and around off, Munsey keeps it out on the leg side.

0.2: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, Pitches it up, looking for some swing but nothing so far. This is outside off. George Munsey leans and drives it to the cover fielder.

0.1: Ali Hasan to George Munsey, Hard hands from Munsey! Touch fuller and around off from over the wicket. Munsey punches a bit uppishly and to the left of cover.

Done with the pre-match formalities and it is now time to play! Former T20 World Cup winner with West Indies, Samuel Badree, rings the bell signalling the start of play. The umpires are out in the middle and the Italians quickly get into a huddle before spreading out onto the field of play. It will be the duo of Michael Jones and George Munsey to open the innings for Scotland. Ali Hasan has the new ball in hand and is ready to bowl the first over for Italy in a World Cup. Let's play...

Time for the anthems - The two sets of players are out in the middle for their respective national anthems. It will be the Italian national anthem played at a Cricket World Cup for the first time ever, followed by the Scottish national anthem.

Scotland's captain - RICHIE BERRINGTON says they are happy to bat first, as the surface is good to bat on. Shares that it was a great experience to play against the West Indies, they were happy to stretch the game till the deep and were in a strong position in the game. Mentions that Italy are a really good team but they'll focus on their strengths. Informs Brad Wheal comes in for Safyaan Sharif.

The skipper of Italy - WAYNE MADSEN says that they will bowl first because the wicket looks good and it might be hard to defend. Adds that they are really excited and it is all about expressing themselves out in the middle. Mentions that they don't have the luxury of being together as a group for a long time but had a good couple of weeks of preparation ahead of the tournament. Ends by saying that they are here to win games.

Scotland (Playing XI) - George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (C), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (WK), Mark Watt, Michael Leask, Oliver Davidson, Brad Wheal (In for Safyaan Sharif), and Brad Currie.

Italy (Playing XI) - Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen (C), Harry Manenti, Benjamin Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade (WK), Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca, and Ali Hasan.

TOSS - Up goes the coin, and it lands in favour of Wayne Madsen. Italy elect to BOWL first!