T20 World Cup: West Indies beat Italy by 42 runs

Kolkata (Web Desk): West Indies secured the top spot in their T20 World Cup group after a convincing 42-run triumph over Italy at Eden Gardens on Thursday.

Batting first, the Caribbean side posted 165, and their bowlers then restricted Italy to 123 in 18 overs, delivering a commanding performance.

For Italy, JJ Smuts emerged as the top scorer with 24 runs from 27 balls, hitting three boundaries, while Anthony Mosca added 19 runs off 12 balls, including a four and two sixes. Grant Stewart contributed 12 off seven deliveries, featuring a six, but the rest of the Italian batting lineup struggled to make a significant impact.

Shamar Joseph led West Indies’ bowling attack, taking 4 wickets for 30 runs in four overs. Matthew Forde supported with three scalps, Gudakesh Motie claimed two, and Akeal Hosein chipped in with one more wicket.

West Indies’ innings began with early setbacks as opener Brandon King was dismissed for four off six balls by Ali Hasan on the first ball of the second over. Shimron Hetmyer also fell cheaply, scoring just one off four balls to Thomas Draca, leaving the team at 31 for 2 after 4.1 overs.

Captain Shai Hope and Roston Chase then steadied the innings with a crucial partnership, adding 64 runs together and taking the total past the 50-run mark. Chase was eventually dismissed for 24 off 25 balls, including two boundaries, in the 13th over with the score at 95 for 3.

Hope anchored the innings with an authoritative half-century, keeping the momentum alive. Wickets continued to fall at intervals as Ben Manenti dismissed a batter for nine off nine deliveries, and Hope’s own knock of 75 from 46 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes, came to an end. Jason Holder also fell cheaply for nine off seven balls, bowled by Crishan Kalugamage.

West Indies finished strongly with Sherfane Rutherford unbeaten on 24 from 15 balls, hitting two fours and a six, while Matthew Forde added 16 runs off eight deliveries, including three boundaries.

Among Italy’s bowlers, Ben Manenti and Crishan Kalugamage took two wickets each, while Thomas Draca and Ali Hasan claimed one wicket apiece.