Kolkata, February 19 – The West Indies continued their unbeaten streak in the 2026 T20 World Cup with a dominant 42-run victory over Italy in their final group stage match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday.
After being put to bat, the West Indies posted a competitive 165/6 in 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant 75 from captain Shai Hope. The opener anchored the innings with a fluent knock off 46 balls, hitting four sixes and six boundaries.
Hope then stitched a crucial 64-run partnership with Roston Chase to stabilize the innings after early setbacks. Late contributions from Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde ensured a strong finish for the two-time champions.
In reply, Italy faltered early in the chase and never quite recovered. They lost three wickets inside the Powerplay, putting themselves under immediate pressure. Although Ben Manenti and Grant Stewart attempted to revive the innings with a brisk stand, the West Indies bowlers continued to strike at regular intervals.
Fast bowler Shamar Joseph led the charge with an impressive four-wicket haul, while Matthew Forde chipped in with three crucial wickets. Gudakesh Motie also played his part with two scalps as Italy were bowled out for 123 in 18 overs.
Key stats from the West Indies' win:
1 – Shamar Joseph of the West Indies became the first player to claim 4 wickets and take 4 catches in a T20I match.
5 – Shamar Joseph is the 5th non-wicketkeeper fielder to take 4 catches in a T20 WC match. Darren Sammy (WI), Aiden Markram (SA), Glen Maxwell (Aus), and George Munsey (SCO) are the others.
11 – Shai Hope (75) has scored 11 half-centuries in T20Is in 64 matches. This was his 3rd half-century in 7 T20 WC matches.
4/30 – Shamar Joseph's bowling figures of 4/30 against Italy are his best in 19 T20I matches. His previous best was 3/30 against Pakistan in Lauderhill in 2025.
