Cricket fans witnessed pure magic at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens as West Indies’ Shamar Joseph turned match-winner into legend. In a T20 World Cup first, the pacer grabbed four wickets and four catches in one game against Italy, a combination never before recorded in the men’s or women’s tournaments.
Bowling with fire, Joseph returned 4-30, catching Italy’s Harry Manenti, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca, and Ali Hassan off his own spell. His acrobatic fielding accounted for Anthony Mosca, Syed Nakvi, JJ Smuts, and Gian Meade—eight key blows.
Batting first, West Indies tallied 165/6. Shai Hope’s fireworks (75 off 46, 6 fours, 4 sixes) rescued them, supported by 24s from Chase and Rutherford. Ben Manenti and Krishan Kalugamage struck twice each for Italy.
Target in sight, Italy managed only 123 in 18 overs. Ben Manenti (26), JJ Smuts (24), and Anthony Mosca (19) resisted briefly. Joseph’s brilliance was amplified by Forde (3), Motie (2), and Hussain (1).
Perfect in groups, West Indies gear up for Super 8 battles with Zimbabwe (Feb 23), South Africa (Feb 26), and India (March 1). Italy signs off with a single win over Nepal.