England vs Italy delivered one of the most entertaining matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with England sealing a crucial 24-run victory to confirm their place in the Super 8 stage. While the result went in England’s favour, Italy’s fearless brand of cricket earned admiration from fans around the world.
A commanding unbeaten half-century from Will Jacks, followed by disciplined bowling spells from Sam Curran and Jamie Overton, proved decisive as England defended a formidable total of 202. Italy fought bravely in response but were eventually bowled out for 178, falling just short in a high-scoring thriller.
England Post 202 After Strong Middle-Order Surge
After winning the toss, England captain Harry Brook opted to bat first — a decision that paid off on a batting-friendly surface. Despite losing early wickets, England’s deep batting lineup ensured the momentum never dipped for long.
Phil Salt gave England early impetus with a lively 28 off 15 balls, striking two fours and two sixes before falling to Ali Hasan. Jos Buttler had a brief stay, managing just three runs from four deliveries before being dismissed by Grant Stewart.
Jacob Bethell contributed a steady 23 off 20 balls, including two boundaries and a six, while Tom Banton added 21 from 21 balls. Harry Brook chipped in with 14 off nine deliveries before JJ Smuts struck to break the partnership.
The turning point came when Will Jacks took control of the innings. The dynamic all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 53 off just 22 balls, hammering three fours and four sixes. His explosive acceleration ensured England crossed the 200-run mark in 19.5 overs.
Sam Curran added valuable late runs, scoring 25 off 19 balls with two towering sixes before falling to Kalugamage. Jamie Overton contributed a quick 15 from nine balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking in the final overs.
England Batting Scorecard
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt | 28 | 15 | 2 | 2 | c & b Ali Hasan |
| Jos Buttler | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | c Grant Stewart |
| Jacob Bethell | 23 | 20 | 2 | 1 | c |
| Tom Banton | 21 | 21 | 3 | 1 | c Kalugamage |
| Harry Brook | 14 | 9 | 1 | 1 | b Smuts |
| Sam Curran | 25 | 19 | 0 | 2 | b Kalugamage |
| Will Jacks | 53* | 22 | 3 | 4 | Not Out |
| Jamie Overton | 15 | 9 | 1 | 1 | Out |
| Total | 202/7 (20 overs) |
England crossed 100 in 12.1 overs and reached the 200-run milestone in the final over, finishing with 202 for 7.
Italy’s Fearless Chase Impresses
Chasing 203 was always going to be challenging, but Italy showed remarkable intent from the outset. Although Anthony Mosca and JJ Smuts were dismissed without scoring in Jofra Archer’s opening over, Italy regrouped impressively.
Justin Mosca played a composed knock of 43 from 34 balls, striking seven boundaries before falling to Adil Rashid. Harry Manenti contributed 12 off 11 deliveries before Jamie Overton removed him.
The standout performer for Italy was Ben Manenti, who lit up the contest with a breathtaking 60 off 25 balls. His innings included four fours and six sixes, and he reached his half-century in just 22 deliveries. For a brief period, the match seemed to tilt in Italy’s favour as he launched an aggressive counterattack.
Grant Stewart also played a vital hand, scoring 45 from 23 balls, smashing five sixes and two fours. Italy reached 100 in just 11.3 overs, keeping the required run rate within reach.
However, England’s bowlers regained control at crucial moments. Sam Curran and Jamie Overton each claimed three wickets, tightening the screws in the death overs. Italy were eventually bowled out for 178, falling 24 runs short.
Italy Batting Scorecard
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Mosca | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | b Archer |
| Justin Mosca | 43 | 34 | 7 | 0 | b Rashid |
| JJ Smuts | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | b Archer |
| Marcus Campopiano | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | c off Curran |
| Harry Manenti | 12 | 11 | 1 | 1 | c off Overton |
| Ben Manenti | 60 | 25 | 4 | 6 | c off Jacks |
| Grant Stewart | 45 | 23 | 2 | 5 | b Curran |
| Others | — | — | — | — | — |
| Total | 178 All Out |
Key Bowling Performances
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Curran | 4 | 3 |
| Jamie Overton | 4 | 3 |
| Jofra Archer | 4 | 2 |
| Adil Rashid | 4 | 1 |
England’s disciplined bowling in the final overs proved decisive, preventing Italy from building sustained partnerships after Ben Manenti’s dismissal.
England Confirm Super 8 Spot
The victory ensures England’s qualification for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. The win highlighted the depth in England’s squad, with contributions coming from both bat and ball at critical junctures.
Captain Harry Brook’s decision to bat first demonstrated tactical clarity, and the team executed their plans effectively under pressure.
Italy Leave Tournament With Pride
Although Italy fell short in this England vs Italy clash, their spirited performance won admiration. Ben Manenti’s explosive innings and Grant Stewart’s fearless hitting signaled the growth of cricket beyond traditional powerhouses.
Italy’s aggressive approach and ability to challenge a strong England side showcased their potential on the global stage. Despite elimination, they exit the tournament having earned respect and new supporters worldwide.
Full Playing XIs
England
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (Captain), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
Italy
Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Marcus Campopiano, Harry Manenti (Captain), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade, Jaspreet Singh, Krishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
Conclusion:
The England vs Italy encounter at the T20 World Cup 2026 delivered excitement, power-hitting, and high-quality bowling. England move ahead in the tournament with momentum, while Italy depart with pride and growing credibility in international cricket.
For fans in the UK, US, and around the world, this contest was a reminder that T20 cricket continues to expand its global footprint — and that emerging nations are more than capable of producing unforgettable performances on the biggest stage.
