England’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign navigated another nervy encounter, securing a 24-run victory over debutants Italy in Kolkata to confirm their place in the Super 8 stage. Chasing 203 for victory on a good batting surface, Italy mounted a spirited challenge led by Ben Manenti’s rapid 60 and Grant Stewart’s 45, threatening what would have been the greatest upset in tournament history. However, timely wickets and composed death bowling ensured England’s progression, though the performance—marked by top-order fragility and mid-innings pressure—underscored the need for sharper execution against elite opposition in Sri Lanka.
Jacks Rescues England with Rapid Fifty
England’s innings followed a familiar pattern of early promise giving way to collapse before recovery. Openers provided starts, but regular wickets left them 128-5 in the 16th over. Will Jacks, promoted to number seven, changed the momentum dramatically.
The 27-year-old smashed an unbeaten 53 from just 22 balls—England’s fastest T20 World Cup fifty—clearing the ropes four times and accelerating in the death overs. His partnership with Sam Curran (25) and late contributions pushed the total to 202-7, a score that proved just beyond Italy’s reach.
Jacks’ knock, his first T20I fifty, highlighted his growing maturity in pressure situations. Earlier contributions from Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, and Tom Banton were promising but wasteful, often picking out fielders in the deep.
Italy’s Bold Chase Falls Short
Italy, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, batted with freedom and intent. After Jofra Archer’s double-wicket powerplay, Manenti counter-attacked brilliantly, striking two sixes and multiple boundaries in his 28-ball 60.
Stewart continued the aggression, thrashing 45 from 25 balls to keep the required rate manageable. At one stage, Italy needed 30 from 12 balls—within reach on a small ground.
Sam Curran’s crucial wickets in the 18th over, including Stewart caught at short third, shifted momentum. Jamie Overton closed out the innings, restricting Italy to 178 all out.
Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson provided control in the middle overs, with Rashid’s variations proving particularly effective.
Scorecard Summary
| Team | Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|
| England | 202-7 (20 overs) | Jacks 53* (22), Bethell 23 |
| Italy | 178 all out (20 overs) | Manenti 60 (28), Stewart 45 (25) |
Tournament Context and Qualification
England’s group stage record—wins over Nepal (final-ball), Scotland, and Italy, plus a defeat to West Indies—reflects inconsistency but sufficient points for Super 8 progression.
The expanded 20-team format intensifies competition, with Super 8s in Sri Lanka starting Sunday. England await opponents but face heightened expectations as defending champions.
Italy exit winless but earn respect, beating Nepal earlier. Their fearless approach signals associate nations’ growing competitiveness.
Areas for England Improvement
While progression is secured, concerns persist: top-order fragility (regular mid-innings slumps) and bowling in death overs (expensive against aggressive batting).
Jacks’ emergence offers positivity, complementing established stars like Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer.
As Super 8s loom, England’s blend of experience and youth must find consistency. This Italy escape—ugly but effective—typifies their group stage: winning when it matters, but rarely convincingly.
The T20 World Cup’s unpredictability captivates, and England’s survival adds intrigue. Can they elevate for knockouts? Kolkata provided answers—and questions—in equal measure.
