England Overcome Italy Scare to Advance in T20 World Cup

Will Jacks' blitz helps England beat Italy in nail-biter

England beat Italy by 24 runs in T20 World Cup, with Will Jacks scoring 53 and Sam Curran taking 3 wickets. Italy's hopes of an upset were dashed as England secured Super 8 spot.

“We've been a bit static at times...”

England secured their spot in the T20 World Cup Super 8 stage with a nail-biting 24-run win over Italy. Will Jacks' unbeaten 53 off 22 balls, featuring four sixes and three fours, propelled England to 202-7, their highest total of the tournament.

Sam Curran's three-wicket haul, including crucial wickets at the death, helped England defend their total. Italy's Ben Manenti struck a rapid 60 off 25 balls, but England's bowling, led by Curran and Jamie Overton (3-18), proved too strong.

Job done 🤌

On to the Super Eights ✅ pic.twitter.com/J1KWFafutm

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 16, 2026

Ben Manenti's blazing 60 kept Italy in the game, but England's Sam Curran put the brakes on their upset bid, dismissing Grant Stewart for 45 in the 19th over, leaving Italy all out for 178.

“A ⁠lot of the associates have put ‌pressure on the big nations and that's exciting. We had no right to, really. Good for the game with 20 teams in the competition,” said Italy captain Harry Manenti.

England's innings got off to a flyer with Phil Salt (28 off 15) and Tom Banton (30 off 21) putting on a decent partnership. However, Banton's dismissal in the 13th over saw England wack at 105-5, paving the way for Will Jacks to work his magic.

Jacks stepped up, unleashing four sixes and three fours to propel England to a commanding total, aided by Sam Curran's 25 off 19. The pair's efforts helped England post a solid 202-7, setting Italy a challenging target.

Italy Struggles Early, Fails to Recover

Italy faced a tough start, slumping to 22-3 after four overs, with Jofra Archer taking two wickets and Harry Manenti caught trying to scoop Overton behind the wicket.

Ben Manenti joined Justin Mosca (43) to add 92 runs in the next eight overs, giving Italy a chance of victory. However, England's Sam Curran and Jamie Overton's crucial wickets at the end sealed Italy's fate, with the team all out for 178.

Ben Manenti went berserk, hitting six sixes from 25 balls before being caught at mid-on. Adil Rashid then dismissed Justin Mosca, leaving Italy reeling at 139-7.

Grant Stewart hammered four sixes in a bid to revive Italy's chances, but it wasn't enough. He miscued a shot to Sam Curran, and Jamie Overton took the last two wickets, sealing England's 24-run win.

“We've been a bit static at times... (Ben) Manenti was playing incredibly well and ‌striking better than any of us. Most important thing is we've qualified but we need to be better, simple as that,” Jacks said.

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England wrapped up their Group C campaign with three wins and a loss to West Indies, securing their spot in the Super Eights alongside West Indies. Italy, already knocked out, will play a dead rubber match against West Indies on Thursday.