England narrowly survived a thrilling encounter against Italy to secure their place in the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup on Monday in Kolkata. Italy’s bold chase of 203 fell just short, leaving England victorious by 24 runs.
Will Jacks smashed the fastest T20 World Cup fifty for England, guiding his team to 202-7, their highest score of the tournament. Despite Italy’s lower-ranked status, Grant Stewart and Jaspreet Singh kept hopes alive with a late surge, hitting 21 off Adil Rashid’s final over, including three sixes. Italy needed 30 off 21 balls but were bowled out for 178 on the last delivery.
England’s innings saw strong starts from several batsmen, but only Jacks converted his opportunity, reaching fifty in just 21 balls—breaking Eoin Morgan’s 2012 record of 25 balls. After England slipped to 105-5 in the 13th over, Jacks forged crucial partnerships with Sam Curran (25) and Jamie Overton (15), finishing unbeaten on 53 off 22 balls, taking England past 200 for the first time in this tournament.
Earlier, Jofra Archer triggered a collapse in Italy’s chase, and Jos Buttler executed a spectacular one-handed catch to dismiss Jamie Overton. Italy fought back with Ben Manenti scoring 60 off 25 balls, putting together a 92-run stand with Justin Mosca. Stewart’s 45 off 23 balls kept Italy alive, but England held firm to clinch the win.
With this victory, England join West Indies, South Africa, and India in the Super Eights, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next stage of the tournament.
