England Secure Super 8s Spot Despite Italian Scare in Kolkata
England have progressed to the Super 8s stage of the T20 World Cup, but their path was far from straightforward as they endured a nerve-wracking 24-run victory over a spirited Italy in Kolkata. Needing only a win to guarantee advancement, England's performance revealed significant vulnerabilities that must be addressed before the next phase in Sri Lanka.
Jacks' Blistering Knock Rescues England's Innings
At 128 for five midway through the 16th over, England's innings was stuttering with no batter progressing beyond 30. The momentum shifted dramatically when Will Jacks, promoted to number seven, unleashed a career-best T20 performance. His unbeaten 53 off just 22 balls included a devastating assault on Ben Manenti's final over, where he struck back-to-back sixes after benefiting from a misfield that yielded a boundary.
Jacks' explosive hitting propelled England to a formidable total of 202 for seven, featuring two more leg-side sixes in the final over to bring up his fifty in just 21 balls—the fastest by an Englishman in this tournament. This late surge seemingly put the match beyond Italy's reach, given their highest-ever chase was 155 against Ireland in a warm-up match last month.
Italian Fightback Threatens Monumental Upset
Italy, the tournament's lowest-ranked side, refused to capitulate despite losing two wickets in Jofra Archer's first over. Ben Manenti ignited their chase with a jaw-dropping 60 off 25 deliveries, smashing six sixes and four fours to reignite the contest. Even after Jacks dismissed Manenti and Sam Curran took two wickets in two balls, Grant Stewart kept Italian hopes alive with a brutal assault on Archer and Adil Rashid.
Stewart's 45 off 23 balls included two sixes apiece off Archer and Rashid, who conceded 21 runs in his final over, leaving Italy needing 30 from the last 12 deliveries. The match remained in the balance until Curran's exceptional death bowling restricted Stewart to just five runs before dismissing him, finishing with impressive figures of three for 22 as Italy were bowled out for 178.
Persistent Concerns for England's Campaign
Despite securing second place in Group C behind the West Indies, England's performance raised serious questions about their tournament credentials. Captain Jos Buttler's poor form continues with an average of just 13.25, while Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell fell feebly after promising starts. The top order's inability to build substantial partnerships left England reliant on late-order heroics.
Harry Brook's decision to bat first for the eighth consecutive T20 match yielded mixed results, with England's middle order collapsing to 105 for five before Jacks' intervention. The bowling attack also showed vulnerabilities, particularly Rashid's expensive final over and concerns about Archer's consistency despite his early breakthroughs.
Looking Ahead to Sri Lanka
England now travel to Sri Lanka for the Super 8s phase carrying both momentum from this victory and significant concerns about their overall performance. The team's reliance on individual brilliance rather than collective consistency could prove costly against stronger opposition. Meanwhile, Italy's remarkable performance against established cricketing nations, with a team featuring teachers, factory workers, and a pizza chef, provided one of the tournament's most inspiring stories despite their elimination.
