England booked their place in the Super Eights with a hard-fought win over Italy in Group C, but the margin of victory did not fully reflect the contest. Defending 203 at Eden Gardens, England were pushed deep into the chase before closing out the match by 24 runs.
Harry Brook’s side now advances to the next stage, yet the performance highlighted areas that will require sharper execution against stronger opponents.
Will Jacks Lifts England Past 200
After opting to bat, England endured another unsettled start. The top order showed intent but failed to convert promising beginnings into substantial scores. At 105 for 5 in the middle overs, the innings appeared in danger of stalling.
Will Jacks changed the tempo. Batting lower down the order, he played with clarity and authority, striking a quick half-century that shifted momentum decisively. His clean hitting in the final overs, supported by useful contributions from Sam Curran and Jamie Overton, ensured England crossed the 200-run mark — a total that ultimately proved decisive.
Jacks’ ability to accelerate late in the innings continues to strengthen England’s middle-order flexibility.
Italy’s Brave Response
Italy began their chase under early pressure but refused to retreat. Ben Manenti counterattacked with a fearless approach, finding boundaries against both pace and spin. Grant Stewart added further impetus, and together they kept the required rate within reach for much of the innings.
At one stage, the contest tilted unexpectedly as Italy’s middle order displayed composure and power. However, timely breakthroughs from Curran and Overton disrupted the momentum. England’s seamers held their nerve in the closing overs to prevent a dramatic finish.
Key Performances
- Will Jacks: Match-defining half-century under pressure
- Ben Manenti: Aggressive counterattack that revived Italy’s hopes
- Sam Curran: Crucial wickets at pivotal moments
Looking Ahead
England’s qualification is secure, but consistency remains a concern. The batting unit has yet to deliver a complete performance, and tighter contests against Associate sides suggest sterner challenges await in the Super Eights.
For Italy, the defeat will still serve as encouragement. Their spirited display against a full-member nation demonstrated growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
England move forward. Italy depart with pride.
