In a thrilling Group C encounter of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, West Indies set a challenging target of 166 for Italy after batting first. Captain Shai Hope’s masterful 75 off 46 balls, adorned with 4 sixes and 6 fours, proved to be the cornerstone of their innings, finishing at 165 for 6 in 20 overs.
Italy won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision that initially paid dividends as West Indies stumbled early. Openers Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer departed with just 31 runs on the board, leaving the Caribbean side in dire straits. However, Hope steadied the ship with a crucial 64-run stand for the third wicket alongside Roston Chase, who scored a gritty 24 off 25 balls.
Post Chase’s dismissal, wickets tumbled at regular intervals, but Hope’s composure held the innings together. In the death overs, Sherfane Rutherford smashed an unbeaten 24 off 15 balls, while Matthew Forde contributed a quick 16 off 8, pushing the score to a defendable total. Without Hope’s anchoring knock, West Indies might have struggled to cross 150.
Italy’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection, keeping a tight leash on the West Indies middle order except for their skipper. Benjamin Manenti led the charge with 2 for 37 in his 4 overs, supported by Krishan Calugamage who claimed 2 for 25. Ali Hassan and Thomas Draca chipped in with one wicket each.
Having already qualified for the Super 8s, West Indies face little pressure, but an Italy victory here would mark one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. The chase is underway, with Italy needing to pull off a heist on a batting-friendly Eden Gardens pitch.