By Alam Zeb Safi
KOLKATA: A late onslaught from Will Jacks carried England past the 200-mark before their seamers held firm to seal a 24-run victory over Italy in a lively Group C contest at Eden Gardens on Monday.
This is the third win from England and they are now in Super Eight, having folded their group stage journey with three wins. Italy have two points from three games and they are already out of the event.
Opting to bat first, England finished on 202 for seven after recovering from a mid-innings wobble. Italy, in reply, mounted a spirited chase but were bowled out for 178 in the final over despite a blistering half-century from Ben Manenti.
England’s innings began briskly, with Phil Salt striking two fours and two sixes in a 15-ball 28 as they raced to 56 for two in the powerplay. However, the early dismissals of Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell allowed Italy to claw back control.
Tom Banton’s 30 off 21 balls steadied the innings but when Harry Brook and Banton fell in quick succession, England were reduced to 114 for five after 14 overs, with Italy’s bowlers varying their pace effectively.
Jacks then transformed the contest. Mixing power with placement, he struck three fours and four sixes in an unbeaten 53 from 22 balls, bringing up his half-century in just 21 deliveries. He shared a decisive 54-run stand in 24 balls with Sam Curran (25), shifting momentum sharply in England’s favour. England plundered 88 runs from the final six overs to post a total that appeared above par.
Italy’s reply suffered an immediate setback as Jofra Archer removed Anthony Mosca and JJ Smuts inside the opening over, leaving them 1 for two. Justin Mosca countered with a composed 43, helping rebuild alongside captain Harry Manenti.
The momentum shifted again when Ben Manenti launched a counter-attack of striking ferocity. He cleared the ropes six times in his 25-ball 60, reaching his fifty in 22 deliveries and lifting Italy to 114 for four by the 12th over. At that stage, the required rate was within reach.
Grant Stewart added impetus with a 23-ball 45, striking five sixes to keep the pressure on England’s bowlers. Italy reached 150 in the 17th over, still harbouring hopes of a dramatic finish.
But England’s depth in pace proved decisive. Jamie Overton delivered a disciplined spell, returning three for 18, while Sam Curran removed Stewart and two lower-order batters to derail the chase. Italy lost their final three wickets without adding to their total, bowled out for 178 in 20 overs.
Jacks, who also claimed a wicket with his off-spin, was named Player of the Match.
Summarised Scores
At Eden Gardens
England 202/7 (20 overs)
Will Jacks 53* (22), Tom Banton 30 (21), Phil Salt 28 (15)
Grant Stewart 2-51, Crishan Kalugamage 2-41
Italy 178 all out (20 overs)
Ben Manenti 60 (25), Grant Stewart 45 (23), Justin Mosca 43 (34), Jamie Overton 3-18, Sam Curran 3-22
England won by 24 runs
