Italy captain Harry Manenti refused to dwell on defeat after his team’s heroic bid against England in the T20 World Cup at Kolkata. Losing by 24 runs while chasing 203, Italy’s 178 highlighted their potential, with Manenti boldly stating, ‘We have nothing to lose and will keep fighting.’
England recovered from 105 for 5 to 202 for 7, powered by Will Jacks’ match-defining knock. Italy’s strategy of early breakthroughs worked partially, keeping the game alive into the slog overs.
In the chase, quick wickets hurt, but Ben Manenti’s bold strokes and Grant Stewart’s finishing touches created tense moments. Manenti dissected the game: ‘We knew their aggression; ours had to match it for wickets early on.’
Praising Jacks, he noted, ‘He took the innings deep – a lesson in middle-order strength.’ On the pitch, Italy believed they could cap England’s total lower, making the chase feasible.
Manenti spotlighted partnerships: ‘Aggression from ball one by Ben, and Stewart in the end – small combos shift momentum.’ This mindset defines Italy’s tournament ethos.
Two defeats in three leave them bottom of Group C, but February 19’s West Indies clash offers a podium to bow out strongly. Italy’s display challenges perceptions of associate nations in T20’s high-stakes arena.