In a stunning display at Eden Gardens, West Indies pace sensation Shamar Joseph etched his name in T20 World Cup folklore. The Caribbean speedster became the first player in the tournament’s history to claim four wickets and effect four catches in a single match, a feat unmatched even in the women’s edition.
Facing Italy in what turned out to be a one-sided affair, Joseph bowled a fiery spell of 4-0-30-4. He dismissed Italy’s captain Harry Manenti, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca, and Ali Hassan, all caught off his own bowling. Adding to his brilliance, Joseph pouched catches to remove Anthony Mosca, Syed Nakvi, JJ Smuts, and Gian Meade, accounting for eight dismissals single-handedly.
West Indies, batting first after losing the toss, posted 165/6 in 20 overs. Captain Shai Hope led the charge with a blistering 75 off 46 balls, smashing six fours and four sixes. Roston Chase and Sherfane Rutherford chipped in with 24 runs each. Italy’s Ben Manenti and Krishan Kalugamage picked up two wickets apiece, while Ali Hassan and Thomas Draca claimed one each.
Chasing 166, Italy crumbled to 123 all out in 18 overs. Ben Manenti top-scored with 26, followed by JJ Smuts (24) and Anthony Mosca (19). Joseph’s 4/30 was backed by Matthew Forde’s 3/??, Gudakesh Motie’s 2 wickets, and Akeal Hussain’s one.
This emphatic 42-run victory sealed West Indies’ perfect group stage record, winning all four matches. They now advance to Super 8 clashes against Zimbabwe (Feb 23), South Africa (Feb 26), and India (March 1). Italy, meanwhile, bowed out with just one win over Nepal—their maiden T20 World Cup triumph.