Brief Scores: ENG (202/7) beat Italy (178-all out in 20 overs) by 24 runs in a Group C match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. ENG vs ITA: Complete Scorecard | Highlighting
England held their nerve to beat spirited Italy by 24 runs to book their place in the Super 8 at the Eden Gardens on Monday in a pulsating Group C encounter that tested the two-time champions’ resolve all the way to the final. Will Jacks’ explosive unbeaten 53 off 22 balls and Sam Curran’s crucial 3/22 proved decisive, but a fearless performance from Italy ensured Harry Brook’s side had to dig deep to ensure progress.
After posting 202/7, England appeared to be cruising as Italy slumped to 22/3 in four overs. But Ben Manenti’s breathtaking 60 off 25 balls and Grant Stewart’s late fireworks (45 off 23) dragged the debutants back into contention and forced England to fight for every run in a nerve-racking finish in Kolkata.
The winning margin hardly reflects how hard England had to work against opponents who refused to buckle under pressure and produced their best performance of the tournament when it mattered most.
ITALY PUSHING ENGLAND TO THE BORDER
Italy’s resilience was visible from the first ball. Despite a strong start for England through Phil Salt (28 off 15), the Italian bowlers continued to slump. Grant Stewart dismissed Jose Buttler for just three with his first delivery and Ali Hasan removed Salt at 54/2, keeping the pressure on.
When skipper Harry Brook (14) recklessly kicked a wide slower ball from JJ Smuts after looking dangerous and Tom Banton (30) bowled his wicket at deep midwicket, England were reeling at 105/5. The Italian fielders were electric and Anthony Mosca produced a sensational diving catch at deep backward square leg to remove the salt.
Only Jack’s late onslaught – with four sixes and three fours – saved England. His 54-run partnership with Sam Curran (25 off 19) from just 25 balls for the sixth wicket provided a total that would eventually prove to be enough.
MANENTI’S HEROES ALSO STEAL VICTORY
Italy’s pursuit race got off to a disastrous start when Jofra Archer’s speed (146 km/h) dropped to 22/3. Anthony Mosca fell for a golden duck, JJ Smuts fell behind and Jamie Overton (3/18) had Harry Manenti caught by Jose Buttler. England looked comfortable.
But Ben Manenti had other ideas. The all-rounder launched one of the most explosive counter-attacks of the tournament as he smashed a 22-ball fifty – joint fifth-fastest in this T20 World Cup. He took a special toll on Jacks, plundering 21 runs in one over with a sequence of 4, 6, 6, 4 that brought back memories of Chris Gayle’s heroics at the Eden Gardens.
Justin Mosca (43 off 34) played a perfect supporting role, using pace smartly to break through the offside field. Their stunning partnership of 92 runs off just 48 balls transformed the match, making the target suddenly look respectable and putting England on the back foot.
Even after Jack’s release of Ben for 60, Italy refused to surrender. Stewart smashed three sixes off Adil Rashid and two more off Archer, keeping the equation alive and England’s nerves jangling. With the odds rising, Stewart’s clean sweep gave Italy genuine hope of pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
ENGLISH FINISHING TOUCH
Ultimately, England’s experience told. Sam Curran produced a decisive spell, removing two batsmen in consecutive deliveries to break Italy’s momentum. His 3/22 combined with Overton’s three-wicket haul eventually sealed victory as Italy were bowled out for 178.
England progressed to the Super Eights, but the performance highlighted both their explosive batting depth and their vulnerability under pressure – a double-edged sword heading into the knockout stages.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 16, 2026