A little over three weeks ago, Scotland were not even meant to be here. On Monday at Eden Gardens, they looked like they had never left, as Scotland broke the record for the highest total by an associate nation at a Men’s T20 World Cup with 207 runs in the first innings.  

There was edge, purpose and perhaps a hint of unfinished business as Scotland powered to a commanding 73-run victory over Italy, spoiling the Azzurri’s long-awaited debut at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The last time these two sides met, at the 2025 European Qualifier, it was Italy who held their nerve to pip Scotland and that helped their case big time to secure a historic World Cup berth. 

Scotland were left eliminated, their campaign over and until Bangladesh’s withdrawal just a week and a little before this tournament handed them a late reprieve. Drafted back in at the eleventh hour, they arrived in India with little preparation time and plenty to prove.

After a 35-run defeat to West Indies in their opener, this felt like a crossroads moment. Scotland chose to make it a statement.

They say revenge is best served cold, but the Italians were served a fiery batting performance with opening partnership of George Munsey and Michael Jones 37 (30) amounting to 126 runs with Munsey being the major contributor scoring 84 from 54 balls putting Scotland in a very strong position.

Italy’s morning had already taken a painful turn in the first innings. Captain Wayne Madsen, their talisman in the build-up to the tournament, dislocated his shoulder while diving full length to save runs. The sight of him leaving the field in visible discomfort was a sobering one, draining some of the energy from the Italian camp.

While Scotland continued to attack Italian bowlers, Brandon McMullen blazed to a magnificent 41* from 18 balls while Michael Leask pummelled 22 runs off five balls launched Scotland to 207-4 at the end of 20 overs, surpassing the record that belonged to the USA of the highest runs (194-3) scored by an associate nation at a Men’s T20 World Cup.

Being a batter down due to injury matters got bad to worse as Italy lose Justin Mosca off the first ball, as Leask continued his great day, picking a wicket right at the outset.

JJ Smuts and Anthony Mosca fell in the powerplay as well. Completing the quartet of Italian brothers were Harry Manenti 37 (25) and Ben Manenti, who put up a magnificent partnership of 73 runs from 46 balls. Ben became the first Italian in history to notch up a half-century scoring 52 from 31 balls.

Ultimately it was Leask who broke the partnership dismissing Harry, ending the innings with career-best figures of 4-17 and being awarded Player of the Match for his efforts causing Italy batters to fall rapidly, as the side went from 129-5 after 14 overs to being bowled out in the next 16 balls falling 73 runs short with 134 on the board.

Scotland gained two crucial points to get their campaign off the mark. Scotland will now look to break English hearts on Valentine's Day at the same venue, while Italy will now travel to the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai where they take on Nepal on 12 February.