West Indies Storm into Super 8s with Dominant Win Over Italy at Eden Gardens

Kolkata, Feb 2026 : An all-round performance powered by disciplined bowling and authoritative batting helped West Indies register a comprehensive 42-run victory over Italy in their final group-stage match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Eden Gardens on Thursday. With this emphatic win, the two-time champions remained unbeaten in the group stage and booked their place in the Super 8s in dominant fashion.

Defending a competitive total of 165, West Indies produced a clinical bowling display to dismiss Italy for 123 in just 18 overs. Fast bowler Shamar Joseph was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Matthew Forde chipped in with three crucial scalps. Their combined efforts ensured that Italy never truly threatened the target despite brief resistance in the middle overs.

Italy’s chase got off to the worst possible start as their prime batter Justin Mosca was dismissed for just two runs on the seventh ball of the innings. The pressure intensified in the very next over when Anthony Mosca departed after a brisk 19 off 12 balls, an innings that included a boundary and two towering sixes. With early wickets tumbling, the Italian innings was immediately pushed onto the back foot.

Forde struck again during the powerplay to remove Syed Naqvi, leaving Italy struggling at 37 for three at the end of six overs. The early breakthroughs allowed West Indies to tighten their grip, forcing Italy to take risks against disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.

JJ Smuts and Harry Manenti attempted to rebuild the innings with a cautious partnership, but the momentum was short-lived. Manenti was dismissed for eight, and at the halfway mark Italy were tottering at 61 for four. Smuts tried to anchor the innings alongside Ben Manenti, but spinner Gudakesh Motie trapped Smuts for 24 in the 12th over, dealing another blow to the chase.

Ben Manenti and Grant Stewart briefly revived hopes with a 25-run stand off just 17 balls. However, West Indies responded swiftly with back-to-back wickets. Stewart scored 12 off seven deliveries, while Manenti top-scored for Italy with a fighting 26 from 21 balls, including two fours and a six. The lower order failed to offer sustained resistance, and Italy were eventually bowled out for 123.

Joseph finished with impressive figures of 4 for 30 from his four overs, while Forde ended with 3 for 25. Motie claimed two wickets, and Akeal Hossain added one more to complete a well-rounded bowling effort.

Earlier in the day, West Indies had laid a solid foundation with the bat after being asked to bat first. They suffered an early setback when opener Brendon King was dismissed on the seventh ball of the innings. Shimron Hetmyer also failed to make an impact, scoring just one run as West Indies reached 48 for two at the end of the powerplay.

Captain Shai Hope then took charge of the innings, forging a crucial 64-run partnership with Roston Chase. Hope brought up a fluent half-century off just 28 balls, showcasing his excellent timing and placement against a well-organised Italian bowling attack. Chase was dismissed for 24 in the 13th over, but Hope continued to dominate proceedings.

Just as West Indies looked set for a massive total, Italy struck back with two quick wickets. Rowman Powell was trapped by Ben Manenti, and Hope’s outstanding knock came to an end in the following over when he was clean bowled by Crishan Kalugamage. Hope’s 75 came off 46 balls and included four sixes and six boundaries, anchoring the innings with authority.

The finishing touches were provided by Sherfane Rutherford, who scored an unbeaten 24 off 15 balls, and Matthew Forde, who added a rapid 16 from eight deliveries. Their 28-run partnership off just 14 balls ensured West Indies reached a strong total of 165 for six.

With confidence high and form firmly on their side, West Indies now march into the Super 8s as one of the most formidable sides in the tournament, having combined power, depth, and consistency in all departments.