KOLKATA: An unbeaten half-century from Will Jacks and a three-wicket haul by Sam Curran guided England to a nervy 24-run victory over Italy at the Twenty20 World Cup on Monday, sending the twice champions into the Super Eight stage.
Player of the match Jacks, batting at number seven, smashed 53 off 22 balls as England posted 202 for seven, their highest total of the tournament.
Italy’s Ben Manenti struck a rapid 60 to keep the debutants in contention, but hopes of a major upset faded when Curran dismissed Grant Stewart for 45 in the 19th over. Italy were bowled out for 178.
England ended their Group C campaign with three wins and one defeat, against West Indies, who also qualified for the Super Eights.Italy, already eliminated, will play a dead rubber against West Indies on Thursday.
