West Indies crushed Italy by 42 runs in the 37th match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. After being invited to bat first, West Indies posted 165/6 on the scoreboard, thanks to a blazing knock of 75 off 46 balls by Shai Hope. Short cameos from Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde helped West Indies cross the 170-run mark. Crishan Kalugamage (2/25 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for Italy, while Benjamin Manenti also took two wickets.

In reply, Shamar Joseph (4/30 in 4 overs) dismantled Italy’s batting line-up, with strong support from Matthew Forde (3/19 in 4 overs) and Gudakesh Motie (2/24 in 4 overs). Italy were bowled out for 123 in 18 overs. Benjamin Manenti was the highest scorer for Italy. With this win, West Indies entered the Super Eight stage unbeaten.

West Indies Advance, Italy Exit Proudly

Italy concluded their first-ever World Cup campaign with one victory over Nepal and valuable experience. However, West Indies secured their fourth straight win at Eden Gardens. They will now face India at the same venue in their final Super Eight fixture on March 1.

Italy briefly sensed an upset when they contained West Indies’ middle order. But Matthew Forde’s early breakthroughs shifted control firmly back to the Caribbean side.

Hope Anchors the Innings

After being asked to bat first, West Indies made a brisk start. They struck seven boundaries in the powerplay, all of them coming from Shai Hope’s bat.

Hope dominated from the outset. By the eighth over, he reached a 28-ball half-century. He drove fluently through the off side and punished anything pitched full outside off stump. In total, 46 of his 75 runs came in that region.

When Italy adjusted their lengths, Hope responded confidently. He pulled a short ball from Ali Hasan over square leg for six. He also targeted Thomas Draca, scoring 20 runs off just nine balls against him.

Hope’s innings ended in the 16th over when legspinner Crishan Kalugamage bowled him with a tossed-up wrong’un. He departed for 75 off 46 balls.

Italy Pull Things Back

At one stage, West Indies looked set for 200. They were 90 for 2 after 12 overs. However, Kalugamage and Ben Manenti combined effectively to restrict the scoring.

The middle order, featuring Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford and Jason Holder, struggled to accelerate. They managed only 75 runs in the final eight overs on a relatively flat surface.

Roston Chase scored 24 off 25 balls before Manenti dismissed him. Powell added a slow 9 before also falling to Manenti.

Kalugamage injured his finger while taking Powell’s catch but returned quickly to bowl Hope. He celebrated with his trademark arms-crossed pose in tribute to Lautaro Martinez. He later removed Holder with a short and wide legbreak.

Forde contributed a late cameo of 16 not out off eight balls to push West Indies beyond 160.

Forde Strikes Early

Italy needed a solid start in reply, but Matthew Forde made immediate inroads. He dismissed Justin Mosca and No. 3 Syed Naqvi in consecutive overs, leaving Italy at 37 for 3 after six overs.

Forde swung the new ball both ways. He bowled one Mosca brother with an inswinger and deceived the other with an inducker. He then forced Naqvi to mistime a catch to mid-off.

Akeal Hosein removed Anthony Mosca for 19. Shamar Joseph took the catch, beginning a productive outing in the field.

Joseph Seals the Victory

Shamar Joseph delivered an outstanding all-round performance. He claimed four wickets and took four catches. He bowled with pace and extra bounce, unsettling Italy’s batters.

Ben Manenti was the only Italian batter to cross 25 in the chase. When Grant Stewart fell to a near yorker from Joseph, Italy slipped to 103 for 6 in the 15th over.

Joseph returned to wrap up the innings. Italy were bowled out for 123 in 18 overs.

Brief Scorecard