England Survive Italy Scare as Will Jacks Powers T20 World Cup Win

England were expected to easily beat Italy in their T20 World Cup match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Since it was Italy’s first T20 World Cup, people only hoped they would compete well.

But the Harry Manenti-led team had other plans. After a big 10-wicket win over Nepal, Italy gave England a real fight and almost created a huge upset, finally losing by just 24 runs. Italy struck early blows to rattle the Three Lions, with Jos Buttler once again failing to convert his start. Phil Salt kept the scoreboard moving wit3h a brisk 28, while Jacob Bethell chipped in with 23.

England fell to 67/3 and then 105/5, looking unlikely to reach even 170 as Italy took control. But the match changed when Will Jacks launched a brilliant counterattack. His unbeaten 53 off just 22 deliveries transformed the contest, restoring England’s momentum and propelling them to 202 in the first innings, their second-highest total in T20 World Cup history. Italy came out of the syllabus for England.

Italy fight England but fall short

Justin Mosca set the platform with his 43-run innings but the team lost too many wickets in the powerplay as the Azzuris were reduced to 23/3 at one stage. Ben Manenti, however, changed the complexion of the game with his fiery innings of 60 runs off just 25 balls. The 28-year-old single-handedly brought Italy back into the contest but failed to cross the line.

After he departed, one surely thought it was over but in reality, Italy had nothing to lose and they continued with the same attacking approach. Batting at six, Grant Stewart gave all he had in the middle, scoring 45 runs off 23 balls, before Sam Curran got the better of him in the penultimate over of the game.

In the end, it was Will Jacks’s superb innings and Sam Curran’s excellent bowling that helped England cricket team win. They became the second team after West Indies cricket team to reach the Super 8 from Group C. Still, Italy’s brave performance will always be remembered in the tournament’s history.

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by Shekhar February 16, 2026