KOLKATA – In a dominant display at Eden Gardens, West Indies steamrolled Italy by 42 runs in their Group C clash of the T20 World Cup 2026. Already qualified for the Super-8 stage, the Caribbean side treated the match like a warm-up, posting 165/6 before their bowlers dismantled the Italian chase.
Captain Shai Hope set the tone with a blistering 75 off 46 balls, smashing four sixes and six fours. His innings anchored the innings as Roston Chase (24 off 25), Sherfane Rutherford (24* off 15), and Matthew Forde (16 off 8) provided crucial support. Italy’s Benjamin Manenti and Krishan Kalugamage picked up two wickets each, but West Indies’ momentum was unstoppable.
Chasing 166, Italy crumbled under pressure. Openers fell cheaply at 12 and 26, with the Mosca brothers unable to steady the ship. The middle order offered little resistance, as the team was bowled out for 123 in 18 overs. JJ Smuts top-scored with 24, followed by Manenti (26) and Anthony Fonseca (19).
West Indies’ bowlers were relentless. Shamar Joseph starred with 4/30, while Matthew Forde claimed 3/19. Gudakesh Motie (2/24) and Akeal Hosein (1/25) completed a clinical effort. Hope’s all-round impact earned him Player of the Match honors.
This victory cements West Indies’ form heading into the knockouts, while Italy faces an uphill battle in Group C. Fans witnessed a one-sided affair that showcased the gulf in class between the teams.