Kolkata : West Indies cricket team beat Italy national cricket team by 42 runs in their final Group C match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Kolkata on Thursday, maintaining a perfect record ahead of the Super Eight stage.
Captain Shai Hope struck 75 off 46 balls — his 11th T20 International half-century — to anchor West Indies to 165-6 after they were put under early pressure by Italy’s seamers.
Ali Hasan (1-24) and Thomas Draca (1-22) claimed two quick wickets to leave West Indies wobbling, but Hope’s composed knock steadied the innings. Italy’s spinners Ben Manenti (2-37) and Crishan Kalugamage (2-25) kept the scoring in check in the latter stages.
Chasing 166, Italy were jolted early when Matthew Forde’s nip-backer bowled Justin Mosca for two. Akeal Hosein removed Anthony Mosca for 19 after being struck for two sixes, deceiving him with a slower delivery.
J Smuts (24 off 27) and Manenti (26 off 21) attempted to rebuild, but both fell to spinner Gudakesh Motie (2-24) as Italy’s hopes faded. Pace bowler Shamar Joseph returned figures of 4-30, while Forde took 3-19 as Italy were bowled out for 123 in 18 overs.
Italy exit the tournament with one win — over Nepal — while West Indies advance to the Super Eight with three victories from three matches.
