T20 World Cup: Scotland cruise past Italy

KOLKATA: It was a grudge match for Scotland and they got their revenge in style, condemning Italy to a 73-run defeat in their maiden match in the T20 World Cup. After becoming the first team in the World Cup to breach the 200-run mark (207/4), Scotland stopped Italy at 134 in 16.4 overs.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In the process, Scotland exonerated the ghost of the European Regional Final qualifier defeat to Italy in July last year. Italy had won that match by 12 runs. In spite of initially missing the cut, a stroke of luck pushed Scotland into the club of cricket’s elite. Despite losing to the West Indies in their opening match, they bounced back on Monday. Scotland’s star performer was opener George Munsey, whose 54-ball 84 was the backbone of their score. Having sharpened his skills in various franchise-based leagues around the world, Munsey’s clean hitting, coupled with some unorthodox shots, gave Scotland the start they needed.A five-ball 22 in the final over by Michael Leask propelled Scotland past the 200-run mark. The 35-year-old Leask came back right after the break with his offspin to grab an Italy wicket with the first ball of the innings. Italy, armed with a lot of self-belief and wishes from former football stars Christian Vieri and Andrea Pirlo, might have been overawed by the occasion, particularly the youngsters.Incidentally, Italy captain Wayne Madsen sustaining an injury while fielding. He has dislocated his shoulder and could well be out of the tournament.Brief scores: Scotland 207/4 (George Munsey 84, Brandon McMullen 41*; Grant Stewart 1/21) beat Italy 134 in 16.4 overs (Ben Manenti 62; Michael Leask 4/17) by 73 runs.