KOLKATA: Shai Hope’s fluent 75 set up West Indies’ 165 for 6 against Italy after the newcomers opted to bowl first in their final Group C match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens on Thursday.
West Indies were jolted early when Brandon King edged Ali Hasan to the wicketkeeper, and Shimron Hetmyer then fell cheaply, holing out off Thomas Draca, leaving the two-time champions 31 for 2 inside five overs.
Hope steadied the innings with a busy stand of 64 with Roston Chase, mixing crisp drives with powerful sweeps as West Indies reached 95 for 3 in the 13th over. Chase’s 24 ended when he was caught off Ben Manenti, who struck again soon after as Rovman Powell departed for nine.
Hope, who struck six fours and four sixes, was bowled by Crishan Kalugamage on 15.1 overs, and Italy briefly tightened the screws at 115 for 5.
However, Sherfane Rutherford (24 not out) and Matthew Forde (16) provided the late impetus, adding 28 from 14 balls and helping West Indies plunder 50 runs in the last five overs. Italy’s attack was led by Manenti’s double strike, while Hasan and Draca chipped in; their best spell came from Kalugamage’s variations on offer.
Kalugamage returned to remove Jason Holder for nine at 17.4, but the West Indies finished strongly to leave Italy needing 166 from 20 overs.
