Axar Patel press conference: “We see them as a team, we don’t see a rivalry” after India beat Pakistan
Earlier, Phil Salt set the pace with 28 off 15 balls to help England pass 50 in five overs. However, Jose Buttler’s slender run continued when he departed for three, dismissed by Grant Stewart. Salt later fell to Ali Hasan, while Jacob Bethell (23 off 20) and Harry Brook (14 off 9) also failed to convert starts. Tom Banton contributed a fluent 30 off 21 before claiming for Manenti.The Italian chase got off to a dramatic start. Jofra Archer’s scorching speed of 146km/h reduced them to 1/2 and soon it was 22/3. Anthony Mosca fell to first while JJ Smuts made it to first slip. Harry Manenti followed and left Italy in shock.Nevertheless, the debutantes responded bravely. Ben Manenti launched a stunning counter-attack, smashing 60 off 25 balls, including a 22-ball fifty – joint fifth-fastest in the tournament and second-fastest by an affiliate batsman in its history. He smashed five sixes and four fours while taking 21 runs for one Jack. Justin Mosca supported well with 43 off 34 as the pair added 92 in 48 balls to revive hopes.Jacks broke the stands by dismissing Ben who was caught by Banton before Adil Rashid removed Justin. Grant Stewart then reignited the contest with 45 off 23, hitting two sixes against Archer and three against Rashid.However, Curran stemmed the tide with two wickets in two balls on his way to 3/22, while Jamie Overton claimed 3/18. Italy were bowled out for 178 in 20 overs and England progressed with their place in the Super Eights assured.