New Delhi: Driven by Shai Hope’s second consecutive half-century and a disciplined bowling performance, West Indies ended their T20 World Cup Group C campaign with a 42-run win over Italy.
Despite a shaky start, the Caribbean side found momentum, taking them into the Super Eights after finishing first in their group.
After Italy elected to field, West Indies batted first and posted a batting average of 165/6. Hope anchored the innings with a smooth 75 off 46 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes.
He struck back early, punishing Ali Hassan with a boundary and a six for 14 after Windies lost Brandon King (4) and Simron Hetmyer (1) cheaply.
Roston Chase’s slow performance of 24 of 25 goals hampered the team’s momentum, while Rovman Powell scored just nine goals. Italy’s spinners Ben Manenti (2/37) and Crishan Kalugamage (2/25) dominated the middle order and death innings to control the total at the batting-friendly Eden Gardens.
The Italian team, chasing 166 points, was eliminated with 123 points in 18 rounds. Matthew Forde (3/19) set the tone for the powerplay, removing Justin Mosca and Syed Naqvi with disciplined new-ball bowling.
Shamal Joseph took 4/30, effectively utilizing the short ball and dismissing Grant Stewart to end Italy’s resistance. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (2/24) controlled the middle order and dismissed JJ Smuts and Ben when they looked dangerous.
Italy briefly threatened through a strong partnership but lost a series of wickets, including those from Stewart and Manetti, which derailed the chase.
They have one win in four games, while West Indies enter the Super Eights on the back of strong momentum and an unbeaten record in the group stages.
