Scotland secured a massive 73-run victory over Italy in the 7th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Following a disappointing opening loss to the West Indies, the Scots found their rhythm at Eden Gardens, propelled by a career-defining performance from Michael Leask.
Scotland were asked to bat first, and they responded with aggression. The platform was built by opener George Munsey, whose 84 led the innings, allowing the middle order to swing freely.
Munsey’s brilliance: His innings featured a blend of traditional power and modern sweeps, neutralizing Italy’s spin threats early on.
McMullen’s momentum: Brandon McMullen provided a high-octane bridge to the death overs, ensuring the run rate remained near 10.00.
20th over carnage: Michael Leask turned a good score into a daunting one. Facing Tom Draca in the final over, Leask went 4, 2, 4, 6, 6, plundering 22 runs in the final six balls to push Scotland past the 200-run mark.
Italy’s chase of 208 got off to the worst possible start when Michael Leask struck with his very first ball, removing Justin Mosca. Italy’s much-vaunted top order, including JJ Smuts, struggled against a disciplined Scottish attack.
Manenti resistance: For a brief period, brothers Harry and Ben Manenti gave Italy a glimmer of hope. They combined for a flurry of boundaries, taking Italy past 100 in the 11th over.
Collapse: Once the Manenti partnership was broken by Leask, the Italian lower order folded. Leask finished with 4/17, proving just as lethal with his off-breaks as he was with the bat.
Mark Watt and Brad Wheal provided excellent support, ensuring Italy never regained momentum. The "Azzurri" were eventually bowled out for 134.
It was a day Leask will never forget. His contributions effectively decided the match in both halves:
With the bat: Valuable late-innings boundary hitting (including two sixes in the final two balls).
With the ball: A 4-wicket haul, including the crucial first-ball wicket of the innings.
