Brief results: West Indies (165/6 in 20 overs) beat Italy (123 all-out in 18 overs) by 42 runs in a Group C match in Kolkata.
West Indies march into the Super 8s of the 2026 FIFA T20 World Cup with an unblemished record, completing four wins in four group stage matches after crushing Italy’s hopes of a coveted elimination in Kolkata on Thursday.
Italy, Europe’s newest entrants to the tournament, arrived at their first World Cup with plenty of buzz and the promise of an exciting future. But against a seasoned West Indies team, their campaign ended with a harsh lesson in experience and execution as the Windies sealed an impressive 42-run victory at the Eden Gardens.
West Indies vs Italy T20 World Cup: MAIN | SCORECARD
Even though Italy’s Super 8 hopes ended before the game even started, Ben Manenti’s side still came out with intent. They struck early, removing in-form Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer in overs and forcing West Indies into rebuilding mode.
This rebuild was led by captain Shai Hope, who once again played the anchor with maturity. With wickets still falling at the other end, Hope held firm, steering the innings through a tricky middle stage and ensuring the Windies had something to defend.
Italy’s bowlers, especially Crishan Kalugamage, kept them in the contest. Kalugamage’s 2/25 and Manenti’s 2/37 ensured the West Indies never really broke free and the Caribbean side were eventually restricted to 165, leaving the chase wide open.
But what followed was a reminder of why the West Indies are such a dangerous proposition when their fast bowlers find a rhythm.
HOPE HOLDS THE WIND CHANGE
Shai Hope’s 75 off 46 balls was the backbone of West Indies’ innings, built with calm authority even as Italy chipped away at regular wickets. Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford fell without much impact, but Hope’s composure ensured the Windies did not collapse.
Italy’s disciplined death overs also played a role in keeping the total down. West Indies lost key wickets late on, including Hope himself, and what could have been a bigger score settled for 165, giving Italy a glimmer of belief heading into the chase.
WEST INDIAN EDITION NOTICE
This belief lasted only a few repetitions. Italy’s chase began at full throttle, the Mosca brothers really flailing from the start, but the West Indies attack immediately hit back.
Matthew Forde put in an excellent all-round performance, first making late runs with the bat and then tearing through Italy’s top order with figures of 3/19. Shamar Joseph followed with relentless pace and bounce, finishing with 4/30 to effectively end the match before Italy could equalise.
Italy were eventually bowled out in the 18th over, their attacking approach undone by a West Indies bowling unit that refused to offer breathing space.
It was another complete performance for the Windies and another statement ahead of the Super 8s. Italy’s first FIFA World Cup ends here but the West Indies move forward unbeaten and bring momentum and menace to the business end of the tournament.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 19, 2026