Kolkata, 19 February (H.S.): West Indies clinched an emphatic 42-run victory over Italy in their final group-stage encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens on Thursday, February 19, 2026, advancing unbeaten to the Super 8 stage after posting 165/6 and bundling Italy out for 123 in 18 overs.

Opting to field after winning the toss, Italy faced West Indies' batting resolve post an early stumble—opener Brandon King dismissed off the seventh ball (4 off 6), Shimron Hetmyer falling for 1. Captain Shai Hope steadied the ship with a match-winning 75 off 46 balls (6 fours, 4 sixes), his 11th T20I fifty reached in 28 balls, forging a crucial 64-run stand with Roston Chase (24).

Sherfane Rutherford (24* off 15) and Matthew Forde (16 off 8) added brisk 28 runs in 14 balls during the death overs, setting a challenging 166. Bowling highlights included Krishan Kalugamage (2/24) and Ben Manenti (2/37).

Italy's chase crumbled early: Justin Mosca out for 2 (1.5 overs), Anthony Mosca 19 (1 four, 2 sixes). Powerplay ended at 37/3. JJ Smuts (24) and Ben Manenti (26) offered resistance, but Shamar Joseph's devastating 4/30 (4 overs) and Matthew Forde's 3/25 broke the backbone.

Gudakesh Motie (2/24) and Akeal Hosein (1) sealed the deal as Italy folded, extras costing 15 (lb 6, wd 9).Brief ScoresWest Indies 165/6 (20 overs) – Shai Hope 75 (46), Roston Chase 24, Sherfane Rutherford 24*; Krishan Kalugamage 2/24, Ben Manenti 2/37.

Italy 123 all out (18 overs) – Ben Manenti 26 (21), JJ Smuts 24 (27); Shamar Joseph 4/30, Matthew Forde 3/25, Gudakesh Motie 2/24.

West Indies won by 42 runs (Player of the Match: Shai Hope).

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar