West Indies Beat Italy And March Unbeaten Into Super Eight

West Indies defeated Italy by 42 runs at Eden Gardens to enter the Super Eight unbeaten in the T20 World Cup 2026. Shai Hope scored a brilliant 75 while Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde destroyed Italy’s chase. Italy fought hard but were bowled out for 123 while chasing 165. The Caribbean side now moves ahead with full confidence.

It was not a one sided game at first. Italy had moments. They bowled with discipline and even slowed down the West Indies middle order. But big tournaments are won in key overs, and West Indies owned those moments.

Hope’s 75 Sets The Tone

When West Indies were asked to bat first, Shai Hope looked in control from ball one. He struck seven boundaries in the powerplay, all by himself. That tells the story.

By the eighth over, he had reached a 28 ball half century. Clean drives through the off side, sharp footwork, and smart placement. He punished anything full outside off. When the bowlers went short, he adjusted quickly.

Hope scored 75 off 46 balls. Most of his runs came square and through cover. It was not flashy hitting. It was proper batting. Calm, calculated, and sharp.

After he fell in the 16th over to Crishan Kalugamage, West Indies lost some momentum. Still, they managed to reach 165 for 6.

Italy Pull Things Back With Spin

Italy did not give up. Spinners Crishan Kalugamage and Ben Manenti bowled tight overs in the middle phase. They stopped boundaries and forced mistakes.

At one stage, West Indies were 90 for 2 in 12 overs and looking set for 190 or more. But Italy’s spin pair slowed the game down. Big names like Rovman Powell and Roston Chase could not fully break free.

Kalugamage even injured his finger while taking a catch but returned to dismiss Hope with a clever wrong’un. That was a brave moment.

Italy showed heart. Their fielding was sharp. Their effort was visible.

Forde Strikes Early, Joseph Finishes It

Chasing 165, Italy needed a strong start. Instead, Matthew Forde struck twice in the powerplay. He removed Justin Mosca and Syed Naqvi in quick time. Italy were 37 for 3 after six overs. Pressure built instantly.

Then came Shamar Joseph. He picked up four wickets and even took four catches in the field. His energy was everywhere. Italy tried rebuilding through Ben Manenti, who scored 26, but wickets kept falling.

Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie also chipped in. Italy were eventually bowled out for 123. The chase never really recovered after the early blows.

Italy Exit With Pride

Italy may have lost, but this World Cup will stay in their memory. They registered a win against Nepal earlier in the tournament. For a team playing their maiden T20 World Cup, that matters.

They competed well against a two time champion. That is not small. Their bowlers showed skill. Their fielding was lively. With more experience, they can grow stronger.

Sometimes tournaments are not just about trophies. They are about learning and belief.

West Indies Eye Bigger Goals

For West Indies, this win means four straight victories at Eden Gardens. They now head into the Super Eight unbeaten. Confidence is high.

Shai Hope looks in fine touch. The bowling attack has variety and pace. Players like Forde and Joseph are stepping up at the right time.

Next up is a huge clash against India on March 1 at the same venue. That match could shape the tournament.

For now, West Indies walk ahead strong. Unbeaten. Focused. And very much in the hunt.