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KOLKATA: West Indies extended their dominant run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 42-run victory over Italy in their final group-stage fixture at Eden Gardens on Thursday, finishing the round unbeaten.
Defending 166, the Caribbean bowling unit delivered a clinical performance to dismiss Italy for 123 in 18 overs.
Despite brief resistance, Italy never truly threatened the target. Ben Manenti top-scored with 26 off 21 balls, while JJ Smuts struck 24 and Anthony Mosca added a quick 19, but the chase lacked momentum against disciplined bowling.
Fast bowler Shamar Joseph led the charge with an impressive four-wicket haul, finishing with 4-30 in his four overs.
Matthew Forde supported brilliantly with three wickets, while Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein chipped in with two and one, respectively, to complete a dominant bowling display.
Earlier, the West Indies endured a shaky start after being put in to bat. Opener Brandon King fell early, followed soon by Shimron Hetmyer, leaving the side struggling at 31-2 inside the powerplay.
Captain Shai Hope then anchored the innings alongside Roston Chase, with the duo stitching a crucial 64-run stand to stabilise the innings. Chase contributed 24 before departing in the 13th over with the score at 95-3.
Hope, however, continued to dictate the tempo, producing a composed half-century that formed the backbone of the West Indies’ total. He struck 75 off 46 deliveries, hitting six fours and four sixes, before falling in the later stages.
Sherfane Rutherford provided the late push with an unbeaten 24, while Matthew Forde added a quick 16 to lift West Indies to a competitive 165.
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