'Momentum in right direction': Unbeaten West Indies focus on Super 8 after routing Italy in T20 World Cup

West Indies bowlers bundled out Italy for just 123, sealing a comfortable victory against the side that had fiercely challenged England earlier this week at the same venue.

Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde starred with the ball, claiming four and three wickets respectively to ensure the Group C toppers wrapped up proceedings swiftly.

Shamar Joseph in Italy match of T20 World Cup 2026. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Italy showed brief resistance through Ben Manenti, who had earlier led their counter-attack against England. He looked dangerous again, striking two consecutive boundaries in the 15th over off Joseph and smashing a towering six off Gudakesh Motie in the 16th over.

However, Motie responded immediately, dismissing Manenti for 26 off 21 balls. The allrounder struck two fours and a six before his stumps were rattled.

Earlier, West Indies skipper Shai Hope anchored the innings with a composed 75, guiding his side to 165/5 after Italy made an impressive start with the ball.

Italy rocked West Indies early by removing Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer cheaply during the powerplay, reducing them to 31/2. Hope then steadied the innings alongside Roston Chase, with the pair adding a crucial 64-run partnership for the third wicket.

Manenti struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Chase for a cautious 24 off 25 balls and removing Rovman Powell to put West Indies under pressure again. Chrishan Kalugamage later claimed the prized wicket of Hope, who departed after a well-crafted knock that anchored the innings.

Shai Hope in charge against Italian bowlers at Eden Gardens. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

However, Sherfane Rutherford (24*) and Matthew Forde (16*) provided a late flourish, adding valuable runs in the closing overs to ensure West Indies posted a competitive total.

Speaking after securing an unbeaten entry into the Super 8 stage, Hope said the team remains focused on taking one game at a time.

“We saw the threat that Italy poured into the competition. So there were no stones left unturned once again today, but we played another good game of cricket,” the skipper said.

He added, “Probably we could improve in some areas, still happy with the way the guys are going, the momentum going in the right direction.”

(Photos: Avishek Mitra/IBNS)