Drama unfolded at Eden Gardens as West Indies recovered from a top-order meltdown to post 165 for 6 against Italy in T20 World Cup 2026 Group C action. Skipper Shai Hope’s scintillating 75 off 46 deliveries, featuring 6 fours and 4 maximums, single-handedly revived the innings.
Italy’s toss win and bowling choice triggered an early collapse – King and Hetmyer back in the hut at 31. Hope countered brilliantly, partnering Chase for 64 crucial runs. Chase’s 24 ended prematurely, leading to a procession of wickets, yet Hope remained unperturbed.
In the slog overs, Rutherford (24* off 15) and Forde (16 off 8) accelerated smartly. Hope’s departure came too late to halt the momentum, leaving Italy a testing pursuit.
Bowling honors went to Italy’s Manenti (2/37), Calugamage (2/25), Hassan (1/24), and Draca (1/22). Their control over the West Indies lineup, sans Hope, was exemplary.
Super 8-bound West Indies play without baggage, but Italy could script history with a chase success. The pressure is on the underdogs now.