Sam Curran mentioned England won’t “disguise” from a “want to enhance” following their restoration from 105-5 to beat big underdogs Italy on the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
Will Jacks hits an unbeaten 53 off 22 balls to rescue England, who received by 24 runs to achieve the Tremendous 8 stage in unconvincing type.
Ben Manenti registered 60 off 25 deliveries for Italy, whereas England’s Jofra Archer took each of his wickets in his first over and Jamie Overtun recorded 3-18 because the event debutants suffered elimination.
| England 202-70 (20 overs, received by 24 runs) | Italy 178 (20 overs) |
| Jacks 53* (22), Banton 30 (21); Kalugamage 2-41 | B Manenti 60 (25) Stewart 45 (23); Overton 3-18 |
England vs Italy evaluation: The place did Harry Brook’s facet battle?
England posted 202-7 and have been lengthy at risk of sustaining one of many biggest shocks within the historical past of the event towards opponents helped by 45 off 25 balls from Grant Stewart after Manenti was dismissed.
Italy completed on 178, with England’s spinners conceding 102 from 9 over to take their common to 9.34 runs per over on the closing. Solely Oman, on 9.41, have a worse tally.
“I don’t suppose we bowled very well,” Curran advised Sky Sports activities. “Groups now we have performed towards have been of various depth.
“There are a couple of nerves, however I don’t suppose we’re nervous. Each time now we have tried to push, now we have misplaced wickets… I assume it’s a advantageous steadiness going too exhausting and dropping wickets.
“We don’t disguise from the truth that now we have been not at our greatest. There’s a necessity to enhance. We now have to have a look at positives, too. We’re a sincere group and we could have sincere conversations within the staff.”
T20 World Cup: How Will Jacks saved England
England’s begin included the lack of Jos Buttler for 3, however Jacks’ innings included 50 in 21 deliveries from quantity seven.
“It feels prefer it has been a very long time coming,” mentioned Jacks. “It has taken some time, however it’s good to get that one. I really feel I’m settling into my position down the order.”
“[Ben Manenti] performed unbelievably nicely and he was putting the ball higher than us. I attempted to alter and go vast and fortunately obtained that wicket.
“If he batted for a couple of extra overs, who is aware of what would have occurred? Crucial factor is that now we have certified.”
Why Italy are ‘proud’ regardless of World Cup defeat
Italy are the lowest-ranked staff on the event however recovered from a 73-run defeat to Scotland to safe a first-ever finals win with a 10-wicket victory over Nepal of their second match.
“Will Jacks batted excellently and, whenever you take it deep with the ability he has, something can occur,” mirrored captain Harry Manenti.
“It was some spectacular hitting in he chase after we misplaced a couple of early. Ben [Manenti] put England below strain and Grant Stewart did the identical. If you happen to get a partnership collectively, it may possibly get you going.
“I used to be pleased with Ben. He obtained a possibility to indicate how good he’s. Similar with Grant. He’s a lower-order batter so to return out and present what he’s able to made me proud, as captain.
“The affiliate nations have put strain on the ‘massive’ groups. We now have no proper towards a staff like England however it’s good for the sport and a matter of getting video games below our belts towards class oppposition.”
England vs Italy groups
England: Harry Brook (c), Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid.
Italy: Harry Manenti (c), Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Benjamin Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade (wk), Crishan Kalugamage, Jaspreet Singh, Ali Hasan.
What’s subsequent for these groups? England, Italy T20 cricket World Cup fixtures
The World Cup Tremendous 8s begin on February 22, with England set to find their opponents as soon as the Group A and Group B standings are settled on Tuesday.
Italy can nonetheless make an announcement to complete their marketing campaign after they face in-form West Indies at Eden Gardens on Thursday (05:30 GMT).
England ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad
England: Harry Brook (c), Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton (wk), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Ben Duckett, Luke Wooden, Josh Tongue, Rehan Ahmed.
Italy ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Italy: Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian-Piero Meade (wk), Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Kalugamage, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.
The way to watch the T20 World Cup: TV channel, stay on-line stream
The T20 World Cup is being proven solely stay within the UK on Sky Sports.
You may stream it on an enormous number of gadgets and on the transfer through the Sky Go app.
For protection elsewhere on the planet, click on HERE for particulars of your native rights holder.
