T20 World Cup 2026: West Indies wrapped up their T20 World Cup 2026 group stage with a 42-run win over Italy after staying unbeaten after four matches. Now, they move on to the Super Eight with flying colours. In this last group clash, West Indies put 165 on the board, giving Italy a target of 166. Italy failed to get going and folded for 123 in 18 overs.
Shamar Joseph led the bowling attack, grabbing four wickets for 30 runs in his four overs for Windies. Matthew Ford chipped in with three wickets for just 19 runs, while Gudakesh Moti picked up two and Akeel Hussain took one. For Italy, Ben Manetti was their top scorer with 26, and JJ Smuts added 24 from 27 balls.
Earlier, West Indies’ captain Shai Hope anchored the innings with a solid 75 off 46 balls, smashing six fours and four sixes. Roston Chase made 24 from 25. Sherfane Rutherford finished unbeaten on 24 off 15 and Matthew Forde hit a quick 16 not out from eight balls. Those were the only real highlights with the bat.
Italy’s spinners did a good job on a pitch that usually favours batters, keeping the West Indies from running away with it. Ben Manenti and Krishan Kalugamage took two wickets apiece, putting the brakes on in the final overs. If Grant Stewart hadn’t leaked 19 runs in the 19th over, West Indies might have ended up with an even smaller total. With this win, West Indies finished at the top of Group C. Next up, they’ll face India, South Africa, and Zimbabwe in Group A of the Super Eight.
Brief score
West Indies: (165/6, Shai Hope -75)
Italy: (123 all-out, Ben Manenti -26)
West Indies won by 42 runs
Italy Playing XI: Harry Manenti (captain), Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, Syed Naqvi, JJ Smuts, Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wicketkeeper), Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca, Ali Hasan.
West Indies Playing XI: Brandon King, Shai Hope (captain and wicketkeeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Ford, Akil Hussain, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.
