Kolkata, India – The much-anticipated England vs Italy encounter in Match 29 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 delivered high-octane drama at the iconic Eden Gardens. England posted a commanding 202/7 in their 20 overs, setting Italy a daunting target of 203. In response, Italy showed remarkable fight, reaching 126/4 in 13.3 overs, powered by a stunning half-century from Ben Manenti.
The contest showcased explosive batting, early breakthroughs, and a lively crowd that added to the electric atmosphere in Kolkata.
England Set the Tone After Winning the Toss
England captain Harry Brook won the toss and opted to bat first — a decision that paid early dividends. The English top order came out firing, looking determined to pile pressure on Italy from the outset.
Despite an early setback when Jos Buttler departed for just 3 runs off 4 balls, England quickly found momentum. Phil Salt counterattacked aggressively, smashing 28 off 15 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes. His attacking intent helped England recover swiftly from the early loss.
Jacob Bethell contributed a steady 23 from 20 balls, while Harry Brook added 14 off 9 balls before being dismissed by JJ Smuts.
England crossed the 100-run mark in just 12.1 overs, demonstrating their depth and batting firepower.
Middle-Order Acceleration Powers England Past 200
The innings gained further momentum through Tom Banton and Sam Curran. Banton struck 21 from 21 balls, including three boundaries and a six, before falling to Kalugamage. Curran added 25 runs off 19 deliveries, hitting two sixes in a brisk cameo.
Jamie Overton chipped in with 15 off 9 balls, keeping the scoring rate above 10 runs per over in the death overs.
However, the standout performer was Will Jacks, who played a scintillating unbeaten knock of 53 off just 22 balls. His innings featured three fours and four towering sixes, ensuring England crossed the 200-run milestone in 19.5 overs.
England Innings Scorecard
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt | 28 | 15 | 2 | 2 | c Ali Hasan |
| Jos Buttler | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | c Grant Stewart |
| Jacob Bethell | 23 | 20 | 2 | 1 | c fielder |
| Tom Banton | 21 | 21 | 3 | 1 | c Kalugamage |
| Harry Brook | 14 | 9 | 1 | 1 | c Smuts |
| Sam Curran | 25 | 19 | 0 | 2 | b Kalugamage |
| Jamie Overton | 15 | 9 | 1 | 1 | out |
| Will Jacks* | 53* | 22 | 3 | 4 | Not out |
| Total | 202/7 | 20 Overs |
England’s total of 202/7 set up a thrilling chase and put the pressure firmly on Italy.
Italy’s Chase: Ben Manenti Steals the Show
Chasing 203 in a high-stakes England vs Italy showdown, Italy needed a strong start. However, early wickets put them under pressure.
Anthony Mosca was dismissed for a first-ball duck in Jofra Archer’s opening over. JJ Smuts also failed to score, leaving Italy reeling. Harry Manenti, the Italian captain, added 12 runs off 11 balls before falling to Overton.
At that point, Italy looked in trouble — but Ben Manenti had other ideas.
Ben Manenti’s Blistering Half-Century
Ben Manenti produced one of the finest knocks of the tournament so far. He brought up his half-century in just 22 balls, hitting three fours and five sixes. He continued his assault, eventually scoring 60 off 25 balls, including four boundaries and six massive sixes.
His explosive batting helped Italy cross the 100-run mark in 11.3 overs, bringing the required run rate within reach and energizing the contest.
Manenti was eventually dismissed in Will Jacks’ over, caught after a breathtaking innings that kept Italy alive in the chase.
Italy Innings (At 13.3 Overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Mosca | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | c Archer |
| JJ Smuts | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | c Archer |
| Harry Manenti | 12 | 11 | 1 | 1 | c Overton |
| Ben Manenti | 60 | 25 | 4 | 6 | c Jacks |
| Others (ongoing) | — | — | — | — | — |
| Total | 126/4 | 13.3 Overs |
Italy’s spirited fight turned what looked like a one-sided game into a thrilling mid-innings contest.
Match Analysis: England vs Italy Turning Points
Several key moments defined this T20 World Cup 2026 clash:
- Will Jacks’ Late Surge – His unbeaten 53 proved crucial in pushing England beyond the psychological 200-run mark.
- Early Italian Wickets – Archer’s opening spell put Italy under immediate pressure.
- Ben Manenti’s Counterattack – His 60-run blitz shifted momentum and kept Italy in contention.
- Middle-Over Control – England’s bowlers managed to contain Italy despite the Manenti onslaught.
Playing XIs
England XI
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (Captain), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Italy XI
Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Marcus Campopiano, Harry Manenti (Captain), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade, Jaspreet Singh, Krishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan.
What This Means for the Tournament
The England vs Italy fixture has major implications in the T20 World Cup 2026 standings. England’s dominant batting performance reinforces their status as tournament contenders, while Italy’s fearless approach highlights their growth on the global stage.
With explosive batting displays and momentum swings, this match has quickly become one of the most talked-about encounters of the tournament so far.
