England secured their place in the 2026 T20 World Cup Super 8s, but not before being pushed to the precipice by a fearless Italy. Despite a 24-run margin on the scorecard, the reigning world champions spent much of the evening in a state of absolute fear against the tournament’s 26th-ranked side.
After Harry Brook took the tactical risk of batting first to cure his team's tentative mindset, England found themselves in familiar trouble.
Middle-order slump: By the 13th over, England were reeling at 105/5, with the Italian attack; led by disciplined seam and impeccable catching, stifling the world’s No. 3 team.
Acceleration: Will Jacks single-handedly flipped the momentum, smashing a 21-ball half-century. England plundered 78 runs in the final five overs, turning a concerning total into a daunting 202.
Italian fielding: Anthony Mosca provided the highlight of the first innings, a sprawling, diving grab to dismiss Phil Salt that silenced the Kolkata crowd.
Italy’s chase started disastrously, collapsing to 1/2 in the first over and 22/3 shortly after. However, the "Azzurri" refused to retreat.
Fightback: Ben Manenti (60 off 25) and Justin Mosca (43) formed a 92-run partnership that unsettled the English team. Manenti’s assault on Will Jacks’ two overs (which went for 34) brought the requirement down to a manageable rate.
Stewart surge: Even after the set batters fell, Grant Stewart (45 off 23) kept the dream alive, taking down Adil Rashid for 21 runs in the 16th over.
Sam Curran: With 64 needed from 24 balls, Sam Curran entered the fray. Employing deceptive balls and accurate yorkers, Curran claimed 3 wickets for 22 runs, ultimately dismissing Italy for 178.
England’s victory over Scotland and now Italy marks an important, if shaky, shift. Before this tournament, England had a dismal record against European opposition at T20 World Cups. While the "job is done," the camp remains self-critical.
We know we need to be a lot better, simple as that. Winning ugly is important, but we don't want to do it again- it’s nerve-racking.
Will Jacks, Player of the Match
