In a pulsating T20 World Cup 2026 Group C fixture, West Indies captain Shai Hope’s 75 off 46 balls lit up Eden Gardens, helping his side reach 165 for 6 after Italy chose to bowl.
Early jitters gripped the two-time champions as they lost King and Hetmyer cheaply at 31 for 2. Hope’s poise alongside Chase (24) yielded 64 vital runs, pulling the innings back from the brink.
Dominating with 4 sixes and 6 fours, Hope’s departure triggered a collapse, but Rutherford (24* off 15) and Forde (16 off 8) ensured momentum at the death.
Italy’s attack was sharp: Manenti (2/37), Calugamage (2/25), Hassan (1/24), and Draca (1/22) all struck, limiting the damage beyond Hope’s blitz.
Super 8 berth in pocket, West Indies play without stakes. Victory for underdogs Italy would be the tournament’s biggest shock yet.