Dominance defined England’s path to the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 as they outclassed Italy by 24 runs at Eden Gardens, notching a third straight group victory. West Indies accompany them from Group C.
Batting first post-toss, England hit 202/7 despite early setbacks. Salt (28) and Buttler (3) managed 21. Teetering at 105/5, Jacks’ explosive 53* (22 balls: 4 sixes, 3 fours) paired with Curran’s 25 (19 balls) for 54 in 25 balls. Stewart and Kalugamage bagged 2 each for Italy.
Target 203 proved steep. Italy at 22/3 early, then Manenti-Mosca’s 92 off 48 (Manenti 60: 6×6, 4×4) to 114/4. Mosca-Stewart added 21 to 135/5. A 40-run burst from Stewart (45) and Singh (12) off 18 raised pulses, but collapse followed to 178.
Bowling stars: Curran and Overton 3 wickets each, Archer 2, Jacks and Rashid 1. This win showcases England’s resilience and firepower for the Super 8 showdowns.