KOLKATA: West Indies completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a convincing 42-run victory over Italy at Eden Gardens on Thursday.
Defending a target of 166, the Caribbean side produced a disciplined bowling performance to dismiss Italy for 123 in 18 overs.
JJ Smuts led Italy’s resistance with 24 off 27 balls, striking three fours. Anthony Mosca provided brief momentum with 19 from 12 deliveries, including a boundary and two sixes, while Grant Stewart chipped in with 12 off seven. However, the rest of the batting line-up failed to build meaningful partnerships.
Shamar Joseph spearheaded the West Indies attack, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 30 in his four overs. Matthew Forde claimed three wickets, Gudakesh Motie picked up two, and Akeal Hosein added one.
Earlier, West Indies endured a shaky start after opting to bat. Brandon King fell early, and Shimron Hetmyer followed soon after, leaving the score at 31 for 2 inside the powerplay.
Captain Shai Hope and Roston Chase steadied the innings with a 64-run partnership. Chase made 24 before departing, while Hope anchored the innings superbly with 75 off 46 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes.
Despite regular wickets in the latter stages, late contributions from Sherfane Rutherford (24 not out off 15) and Forde (16 off eight) lifted West Indies to a competitive 165.
For Italy, Ben Manenti and Crishan Kalugamage took two wickets each, with Thomas Draca and Ali Hasan claiming one apiece.
