England beat Italy by 24 runs in the 29th Match of Group C at Kolkata in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 16, 2026. The hosts scored 202 runs in 20 overs before bowlers produced a fighting win in the high-scoring contest.
England Innings: Will Jacks’ Late Blitz Lifts England to 202/7
England started well and reached 56/2 in the powerplay. The hosts took just 4.5 overs to reach 50. They lost wickets but still scored at a good clip. England reached 100 in 12.1 overs.
England scored at a fast clip in the death overs. Will Jacks scored 53 runs in just 22 balls. He hit 3 fours and 4 sixes. He and his partner added 50 runs in just 24 balls. The runs scored by Will Jacks took England’s total to over 200 in 19.5 overs. They scored 202 runs in 20 overs and set Italy a target of 203.
Italy Innings: Manenti Fights, But Target Too High
Italy started strongly, reaching 47/3 in the powerplay, with J Mosca and Ben Manenti (BAD Manenti) fighting hard for their team. A crucial 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket kept Italy in contention to chase.
Manenti scored a sensational half-century in just 22 deliveries, with 5 sixes and 3 fours, taking his team past 150 in 17 overs.
However, in the last overs, tight bowling and key dismissals meant that Italy finished at 178 all out in 20 overs, falling short of the target by 24 runs.
Player of the Match: Will Jacks
The player of the match award was given to Will Jacks, who scored an explosive half-century in just 22 deliveries, remaining not out, along with his contribution with the ball, which yielded 1/34, playing a crucial role in England’s victory.
Match Summary
England: 202/7 (20 overs)
Italy: 178 all out (20 overs)
Result: England won by 24 runs
Player of the Match: Will Jacks (53* off 22 & 1/34)
England have strengthened their chances in Group C with this convincing victory, while Italy have shown their fighting spirit in this high-scoring match, although they fell short in their chase.