The West Indies cricket team completed a flawless group stage campaign at the T20 World Cup with a commanding 42-run victory against Italy in Kolkata on Thursday. The two-time champions demonstrated their championship pedigree by securing their spot in the Super Eight stage with an unblemished record.
Captain Shai Hope delivered a masterclass performance, scoring 75 runs from just 46 deliveries to register his 11th T20 International half-century. His commanding innings established a competitive target of 166 runs despite Italy’s determined bowling effort. Hope’s leadership proved instrumental in stabilizing the West Indies innings after early setbacks caused by Italian pacers Ali Hasan and Thomas Draca.
Italy’s chase began disastrously when Matthew Forde’s precision bowling dismantled Justin Mosca’s stumps early in the innings. Akeal Hosein’s strategic bowling later claimed the wicket of Anthony Mosca, who had briefly threatened with two sixes before being deceived by a slower delivery.
The Italian side showed resilience through JJ Smuts (24 off 27) and Ben Manenti (26 off 21), who mounted a temporary fightback. However, their efforts were curtailed by Gudakesh Motie’s spin expertise, which yielded figures of 2/24. West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph delivered a devastating performance with 4/30, while Forde complemented with 3/19, collectively bowling out Italy for 123 in 18 overs.
Despite disciplined bowling from Italy’s spinners Manenti (2/37) and Crishan Kalugamage (2/25) that restricted West Indies to 165-6, the target proved insurmountable for the associate nation. Italy concludes their tournament journey with a single victory against Nepal, while the West Indies advance with formidable momentum.