England stormed into the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 with a pulsating 24-run triumph against Italy at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. The victory, their third in the group stage, confirms their advancement from Group C, joining West Indies in the next round.
Captain’s call after winning the toss saw England bat first, amassing 202/7. Openers Philip Salt (28) and Jos Buttler (3) laid a modest foundation of 21 runs. By the 15th over, they were reeling at 105/5, but Will Jacks unleashed mayhem alongside Sam Curran.
Jacks’ unbeaten 53 off 22 deliveries – laced with 4 sixes and 3 boundaries – and Curran’s 25 off 19 formed a match-defining 54-run alliance in just 25 balls. Grant Stewart and Krishan Kalugamage shared 4 wickets for Italy.
Italy’s chase began disastrously, slumping to 22/3. A resilient 92-run partnership between Ben Manenti (60 off 25, 6×6, 4×4) and Justin Mosca lifted them to 114/4. Mosca and Grant Stewart (45) added 21 more, but at 135/5, the innings unraveled.
Consecutive wickets in the 16th over deepened the crisis. Stewart and Jasprit Singh’s 40 off 18 provided a flicker, but it wasn’t enough as Italy folded at 178. England’s bowling attack shone: Curran and Overton with 3 wickets each, Archer 2, Jacks and Rashid 1 each.
This clinical performance highlights England’s depth, positioning them strongly for Super 8 battles.