T20 World Cup: Michael Leask & George Munsey star as Scotland beat debutants Italy

Michael Leask and George Munsey starred as Scotland beat Italy by 73 runs in their World Cup debut at Eden Gardens.

Trailing for 40, Munsey scored 84 as Scotland won 207-4 in their 20 overs, helped by Leask’s 22 from the last five balls of the innings.

Leask carried this momentum up the field and cleared the first ball from Italian opener Justin Mosca, before Munsey took an excellent diving catch to his right.

Despite the 73-year partnership between brothers Ben and Harry Manenti, Italy were always behind the mark and when they were put away, Scotland swung their tails to a comfortable victory.

Italy, whose captain Wayne Madsen was unable to bat because he dislocated his shoulder, were bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs.

Leask finished the race with excellent figures of 4-17, Mark Watt also joined the game with 2-24, while Munsey caught four catches.

Scotland – with one win from two matches – face England on Saturday, while Italy face Nepal on Thursday.