ICC T20 World Cup 2026 | West Indies crush Italy to end group stage on high

Set a target of 166, Italy were bowled out for 123 in 18 overs. The victory ensured that the Caribbeans finished their group stage campaign unbeaten.

West Indies skipper Shai Hope led from the front with a second consecutive half-century and a disciplined performance by helped the Caribbeans post a comfortable 42-run victory over Italy in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Group C encounter in Kolkata on Thursday (February 19).

The victory ensured that the Caribbeans finished their group stage campaign unbeaten.

Set a target of 166, Italy were bowled out for 123 in 18 overs with Matthew Forde (3/19), Shamar Joseph (4/30) and Gudakesh Motie (2/24) doing the bulk of the damage with the ball for West Indies.

Skipper Hope slammed a 46-ball 75 to guide West Indies to 165/6 after Italy opted to field.

Hope's fluent knock with six fours and four sixes held the innings together, but experienced spinners Ben Manenti (2/37) and Crishan Kalugamage (2/25) choked the run flow in the back-end to keep the total in check.

On a batting-friendly Eden surface with a lightning outfield, where England's 202 was nearly chased down by Italy in the previous game, the target looked underwhelming at the innings break.

But West Indies' bowlers got the job done without much hassle.

Italy thus finished their campaign with one win from four matches, their lone victory coming against Nepal.

West Indies, who had already sealed their Super Eights berth, topped the group with all wins.

(With inputs from agencies)