England Secures Super Eights Berth with Commanding Victory Over Italy
In a high-octane Group C encounter at Eden Gardens on Monday, the England cricket team delivered a clinical performance to defeat the Italy national cricket team by 24 runs, thereby booking their coveted place in the Super Eights stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The match was defined by a spectacular all-round display from Will Jacks, whose explosive batting and timely bowling intervention proved decisive.
England's Batting Onslaught Led by Jacks' Blistering Knock
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, England posted an imposing total of 202 for 7, marking the first instance in this tournament edition that they have surpassed the 200-run mark. The innings was anchored by a sensational late assault from Will Jacks, who remained unbeaten on a whirlwind 53 runs from just 22 deliveries. His innings featured four towering sixes and three crisp boundaries, rescuing England from a precarious position of 105 for 5.
Sam Curran provided valuable support with a brisk 25 off 19 balls, combining with Jacks for a rapid 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket that came off a mere 25 deliveries. Earlier, Phil Salt had set a blistering tempo with 28 runs from 15 balls, propelling England past 50 inside the first five overs. However, captain Jos Buttler's lean run continued as he departed for just 3, dismissed by Grant Stewart.
Tom Banton contributed a fluent 30 off 21 before holing out to Harry Manenti, while Jacob Bethell (23 off 20) and Harry Brook (14 off 9) failed to capitalize on their starts. Salt later fell to Ali Hasan, but England's lower-order fireworks ensured a formidable total.
Italy's Valiant Chase Falls Short Despite Manenti's Heroics
Italy's response began in dramatic fashion as Jofra Archer's searing opening over, clocking speeds up to 146kph, reduced them to 1 for 2, which soon became 22 for 3. Anthony Mosca fell first ball, while JJ Smuts edged to first slip, and Harry Manenti followed shortly after, leaving the debutants reeling.
Yet, Italy displayed remarkable resilience. Ben Manenti launched a stunning counterattack, smashing 60 runs off just 25 balls, including a 22-ball fifty—the joint-fifth fastest of the tournament and joint-second fastest by an Associate batter in T20 World Cup history. He hammered five sixes and four fours, taking 21 runs off a single Will Jacks over to revive Italian hopes.
Justin Mosca provided solid support with 43 off 34 balls, as the pair added 92 runs in just 48 deliveries. However, Jacks broke the dangerous stand by dismissing Ben Manenti, caught by Tom Banton, before Adil Rashid removed Justin Mosca. Grant Stewart then reignited the contest with a blistering 45 off 23 balls, striking two sixes off Archer and three against Rashid.
England's Bowling Seals the Victory
Sam Curran halted Italy's surge with two wickets in two balls on his way to impressive figures of 3 for 22, while Jamie Overton claimed 3 for 18. Italy were eventually bowled out for 178 in their 20 overs, falling 24 runs short of the target. This comprehensive victory ensures England's progression to the Super Eights with their campaign gaining significant momentum.
The match underscored England's depth and firepower, with Jacks' all-round contribution being the standout performance. Italy, despite the loss, earned plaudits for their spirited fightback, particularly through Ben Manenti's explosive batting. England will now look ahead to the Super Eights stage with confidence, while Italy's debut World Cup campaign provided glimpses of their potential on the global stage.
