Kolkata, February 16 – England defeated Italy by 24 runs in their T20 World Cup Group C match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Monday, thanks to a brilliant all-round performance by Will Jacks.
England batted first, scoring 202 for 7, with Jacks hitting an unbeaten 53 off 22 balls (4 sixes, 3 fours). This was their first 200+ total in the tournament.
Italy, in reply, put up a spirited fight, with Ben Manenti scoring 60 off 25 balls and Grant Stewart scoring 45 off 23 balls. However, Jacks' excellent bowling and fielding ensured that England maintained control and bowled out Italy for 178 in 20 overs.
Sam Curran and Jamie Overton each took three wickets for England.
Italy had a disastrous start.
Jofra Archer dismissed two batsmen early on, reducing Italy to 1/2 in the first over.
Anthony Mosca was out for a duck, attempting to hit a short ball.
JJ Smuts also got out, edging a delivery to Jamie Overton.
Archer's pace and bounce put early pressure on England.
Harry Manenti smashed a 50 off 22 balls, putting England under pressure.
Justin Mosca played a good supporting role, scoring 43 off 34 balls.
Jacks then dismissed Manenti, completing his first T20 World Cup fifty.
With 89 required from the final eight overs, Adil Rashid dismissed Justin Mosca.
However, Stewart then smashed two sixes off Archer's final over, giving Italy some hope.
Curran then dismissed Stewart and Jacks, completing his triple strike.
Despite a scratchy campaign, the two-time champions came out all guns blazing.
Jacks' unbeaten innings provided the late flourish, helping England to a comfortable victory.
Phil Salt set the tone with a brisk 28 off 15 balls.
However, Jos Buttler's poor run continued, and he was out for just 3.
Despite this, England maintained momentum.
Anthony Mosca produced a brilliant catch, triggering a brief wobble.
Jacob Bethell and Salt had carried England to the 50-run mark inside the powerplay, but Bethell too perished.
Harry Brook looked in fine form, but he got out trying to hit a wide ball.
Tom Banton then smashed a 30 off 21 balls, before getting out to a simple catch.
