How HMS Ajax won against an Italian squadron

How did HMS Ajax defeat an Italian squadron, sinking three ships and damaging another?

Ajax combined luck with six-inch firepower, radar, and superior night-fighting range, but she took meaningful damage and casualties.

The engagement was the night action of 11-12 October, when Ajax could engage Italian torpedo boats and a destroyer at range in darkness. Ajax still suffered bridge, radar, and boat damage and 35 casualties, including 13 dead, so the victory combined material advantages with significant risk.