Kolkata’s Eden Gardens witnessed England’s ruthless efficiency as they defeated Italy by 24 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026, clinching a Super 8 berth with their third group win. Group C now features England and West Indies as qualifiers.
Toss victory prompted England to set a target, reaching 202/7. The top order faltered early: Salt-Buttler 21 (Salt 28, Buttler 3). At 105/5, Will Jacks (53* off 22, 4×6, 3×4) and Sam Curran (25 off 19) forged a blistering 54-run stand in 25 balls, bolstering the total. Italy’s Stewart and Kalugamage took 2 wickets apiece.
Italy’s reply: 178 all out. Early blows left them 22/3. Manenti’s 60 (25 balls, 6 sixes, 4 fours) and Mosca’s grit yielded 92 runs for the 4th wicket, reaching 114. Stewart (45) joined Mosca for 21 more to 135/5.
But England’s pacers pounced. Losing wickets in clusters, including two in the 16th over, Italy hoped with Stewart-Singh’s 40-run cameo off 18. However, Curran (3/??), Overton (3/??), Archer (2/??), Jacks (1), and Rashid (1) dismantled them.
England’s balanced attack and Jacks’ heroics prove their championship pedigree, eyeing Super 8 glory.