England’s batting firepower lit up Eden Gardens in the T20 World Cup 2026, as they amassed 202/7 and set Italy 203 to win in Group C. With West Indies advanced, England’s Super 8 dreams hinge on this Monday night showdown.
A 21-run powerplay from Buttler (3) and Salt gave way to Salt’s 28 (15b, 2×4, 2×6) and Bethell’s 23 for 33. Reeling at 105/5, Sam Curran (25 off 19, 2×6) and hero Will Jacks (53* off 22, 4×6, 3×4) exploded for 54 in 25 overs, reaching 159.
Jacks’ unbeaten stay included a 35-run stand with Overton (15). Italy struck back: Stewart, Kalugamage (2/ea); Smuts, Hassan, Manenti (1/ea).
Teams: England – Salt, Buttler (wk), Bethell, Banton, Brook (capt), Curran, Jacks, Overton, Dawson, Archer, Rashid. Italy – Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Ben Manenti, Campopiano, Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jasprit Singh, Kalugamage, Ali Hassan.
England’s recovery from midway mayhem underscores their championship pedigree. Italy faces a baptism by fire – expect boundaries, wickets, and edge-of-seat action in the pursuit.