England booked their place in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup after defeating Italy by 24 runs in their final Group C clash at Eden Gardens on Monday.
Chasing a daunting target of 203, Italy put up a spirited fight but ultimately fell short, finishing on 178 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.
Italy’s innings got off to a disastrous start when Jofra Archer struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Anthony Mosca and JJ Smuts for ducks. Captain Harry Manenti and Justin Mosca attempted to steady the innings, but Manenti’s departure for 12 left Italy struggling at 22-3.
A strong 92-run partnership between Anthony Mosca and Ben Manenti revived Italy’s hopes. Ben Manenti played a blistering knock of 60 off just 25 balls, smashing four boundaries and six sixes before being dismissed by Will Jacks. Justin Mosca contributed a valuable 43 off 34 deliveries before falling to Adil Rashid.
Sam Curran then turned the game firmly in England’s favour by removing Marcus Campopiano and Gian-Piero Meade in quick succession. Grant Stewart kept Italy’s hopes alive with an aggressive 45 off 23 balls, but Curran’s disciplined penultimate over ended the resistance. Jamie Overton sealed the victory by dismissing Ali Hasan for a duck.
Curran and Overton were the pick of England’s bowlers with three wickets each, while Archer claimed two.
Earlier, England posted 202 for seven after opting to bat first. Will Jacks starred with an unbeaten 53 off 22 balls, including three fours and four sixes, marking his maiden T20I half-century. Phil Salt (28), Tom Banton (30), and Sam Curran (25) also made useful contributions.
For Italy, Crishan Kalugamage and Grant Stewart picked up two wickets each.
With this victory, England advance to the Super Eight stage, keeping their title hopes alive in the tournament.
