ENG vs ITA, T20 World Cup: England outlast resilient Italy to book Super 8 spot with win by 24 runs

England held their nerve to defeat a spirited Italy by 24 runs at Eden Gardens on Monday, booking their Super 8 berth in a pulsating Group C encounter that tested the two-time champions' resolve until the final over. Will Jacks' explosive unbeaten 53 off 22 balls and Sam Curran's crucial 3/22 proved decisive, but Italy's fearless performance ensured Harry Brook's side had to dig deep to secure progression.

After posting 202/7, England appeared to be cruising when Italy slumped to 22/3 inside four overs. But Ben Manenti's breathtaking 60 off 25 balls and Grant Stewart's late fireworks (45 off 23) dragged the debutants back into contention, forcing England to fight for every run in a nerve-shredding finish in Kolkata.

The victory margin barely reflects how hard England had to work against opponents who refused to buckle under pressure, delivering their best performance of the tournament when it mattered most.

Italy's resilience was evident from ball one. Despite England's strong start through Phil Salt (28 off 15), the Italian bowlers kept chipping away. Grant Stewart dismissed Jos Buttler for just three with his first delivery, and Ali Hasan removed Salt at 54/2, keeping the pressure mounting.

When captain Harry Brook (14) recklessly edged a wide, slower ball from JJ Smuts after looking dangerous, and Tom Banton (30) gifted his wicket to deep midwicket, England were wobbling at 105/5. The Italian fielders were electric, with Anthony Mosca producing a sensational diving catch at



deep backward square leg to remove Salt.

Only Jack's late assault—featuring four sixes and three fours—rescued England. His 54-run partnership with Sam Curran (25 off 19) off just 25 balls for the sixth wicket provided the total that would ultimately prove just enough.

Italy's chase began disastrously as Jofra Archer's express pace (146kph) reduced them to 22/3. Anthony Mosca fell for a golden duck, JJ Smuts edged behind, and Jamie Overton (3/18) had Harry Manenti caught by Jos Buttler. England looked comfortable.

But Ben Manenti had other ideas. The all-rounder launched one of the tournament's most explosive counterattacks, smashing a 22-ball fifty—the joint-fifth fastest of this T20 World Cup. He took a particular toll on Jacks, plundering 21 runs in one over with the sequence 4, 6, 6, 4, evoking memories of Chris Gayle's Eden Gardens heroics.

Justin Mosca (43 off 34) played the perfect supporting role, cleverly using pace to pierce the offside field. Their stunning 92-run partnership off just 48 balls transformed the contest, suddenly making the target look gettable and forcing England onto the back foot.

Even after Jack's dismissal of Ben for 60, Italy refused to surrender. Stewart smashed three sixes off Adil Rashid and two more off Archer, keeping the equation alive and England's nerves jangling. With the asking rate climbing, Stewart's clean hitting gave Italy genuine hope of pulling off one of the tournament's biggest upsets.